CSOs pitch for developing Ukhrul, Kamjong
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, October 31 2023: Tangkhul civil society organisations (CSOs) of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have requested the state government to take up a slew of development initiatives to help address what they termed as critical infrastructural and development challenges' in the twin districts.

In a memorandum submitted to chief minister N Biren during his visit to Ukhrul town on October 18, the CSOs proposed as many as 15 projects which they believed would not only help in addressing immediate development needs but also contribute to long-term socio-economic growth of Manipur.

The memorandum mentioned that the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong are demanding Ukhrul as Manipur's Summer Hill Capital, because of its pleasant weather and natural beauty.

"Ukhrul is Manipur's second oldest town and has a historical significance, including being the first town to introduce western education in 1896, the first sub-division established in 1919, and the first Indian town captured by the Japanese during WWII.

It is also the hometown of the first and second tribal chief ministers of Manipur and has produced notable sons and daughters, including Sanamla Ragui, Hangmila Shaiza and major Bob Khathing,'' it said.

The CSOs further urged the government to build roads in all the 56 localities of Ukhrul and Hungpung areas, construct a bypass route alleviate traffic problems in the town; four laning of Imphal to Ukhrul road via Lamlang Gate; sanction projects to address scarcity of safe drinking water supplies during the dry season; approve submission of the PPR to the Union Ministry of Finance Department of Economic Affairs for consideration under World Bank funding or Project Readiness Funding (PRF) under ADB; facilitate growth of banking services in Ukhrul; recommend establishment of Food Technology College in Ukhrul to the Union Minister of Agriculture, NEC for the Tourist Circuit Project along NH-202 in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, more ICPs on the Indo-Myanmar Border, including Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, which have the longest international boundary in Manipur state, establish SAI or SAG Centre in Ukhrul, medical college and a mini-medical secretariat in Uldirul; press the Union government for establishment of Central Hill University in Ukhrul in the existing Pettigrew College area; declare February 19 a state holiday in recognition of the Tangkhuls' significant contribution to education in the state; repeal the AFSPA, 1958 from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts; construct a Library and Recreation Park in Somdal and Ukhrul town in memory of R Suisa, a Tangkhul visionary leader, who originally hailed from Somdal village, and played a significant role in Manipur's history, contributing to the construction of the Kangla Moat, Western Kangla Gate and the road from the Western Kangla Gate to Sanakeithel; sanction Solid Waste treatment plant in Ukhrul town; and expedite establishment of Centre for Cultural and Moving Images (Culture and Heritage Complex) for which foundation stone had been laid at Ringui village some years back.

"We eagerly anticipate witnessing the transformation of Ukhrul and Kamjong into thriving and harmonious districts; vibrant, prosperous and inclusive places for all - - setting an example for the entire state," stated the memorandum jointly signed by Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) president SA Ramnganing, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) president Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) president Themaso Tal-lanao and Tangkhul Katamnao Long (TKS) president Ramreichan Keishing.

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