HTC accused of harbouring anti-development, anti-lndia agenda
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 24 2024: Economic & Resource Development Organisation (ERDO), Kangleipak has accused Hill Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh of indulging in anti-development and anti-Indian activities.

In a release, ERDO secretary information & publicity Bikash M asked the HTC to work for the collective development of the state and 34 tribes of Manipur recognised as per the provisions of the Indian constitution.

Expressing strong resentment that the Council is scheming to impede economic progress of the state by propagating Moreh as cultural capital of the Kuki-Zo in the media invitation for a peace rally planned on September 25 at Moreh, Bikash contended that by endorsing the so-called peace rally themed 'No Kuki-Zo political solution, no act east policy' HTC intends to isolate Manipur and its tribal community from economic development.

Stating that HTC's stance is detrimental to Manipur's economic growth and is an affront to India's efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, he pointed out that the Act East Policy aims to promote economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.

By opposing the policy, HTC is denying all tribal communities access to potential economic benefits, job opportunities, and cultural exchange programmes.

He observed that HTC's stance and action perpetuate anti-Indian sentiment undermining national integrity.

HTC should not forget that Moreh town is the gateway of North-Eastern region which is blessed with natural resources, including tea plantations in Assam, which earn significant foreign exchange for the country, Bikash said, adding that the region has immense potential for tourism, with opportunities for wildlife, heritage, religious and spiritual, culinary and medical tourism.

Urging the Hill Tribal Council to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the government to address concerns and ensure inclusive development, ERDO warned HTC not to become a roadblock in the economic development of conflict-torn entrepreneurs in the region, Organising rallies against the Act East Policy may have unintended consequences and harm the very communities HTC seeks to protect, Bikash cautioned.

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