Ukhrul villages
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 25 2013: Villages in Ukhrul east have complained of being neglected and excluded from most of the State developmental programme and projects since Manipur attained statehood in 1972 .

The villages sandwiched between frontier border pillar (Indo-Myanmar) 121 and 123 complained that there has been no proper road connectivity for them from Kamjong while strongly feeling the need of an all weather road for the 125 km stretch of road that connects the area with the rest of the State.

Ironically, the SDC office at Sahamphung village which was inaugurated wayback in 1983 is nothing more than a monument for the people of the area.

Due to absence of medical facility, people of the area are prone to dreadful, endemic and fatal diseases like malaria and Japanese encephalitis.

The villagers said their approach for the setting up of a PHC at Khayang village felt on a deaf ear.

Perhaps due to its interior location, the villages did not get electricity down the decades.

In fact, the villages were richly bestowed with natural resources.

Many medicinal herbs and plants were found in the area.

The area has also prided itself with the scenic Khayang Waterfall and a lake at Kachouphung.

The area is also home of various flora and fauna.

Wild birds like hornbill, tragoban, humming bird, antelope, boar and reptiles adorned the deep forests.

During an interaction with reporters, President of Sambu Raiping Long, the Villages' union, it has also been learnt that the students were not provided with mid-day meal since September last year.

Nothing tangible has been done towards this end although the matter was reported to the concerned authority and importantly, to an inspection team of the District administration.

Upgradation of four junior high schools did not guarantee proper infrastructure and sufficient teachers, they lamented adding that a high school in the area is staffed with only eight teachers.

All hopes are not lost though.

At the initiative of an NGO�IFAD, Ukhrul� certain sections of the road have been repaired according to seasonal demand.

The villages being located in close proximity with neighbouring Myanmar, the locals also have strong interest in setting up a border haat so as to foster trade.

People of the area have submitted a representation to the President of India on his visit to state on April 15.They demanded the construction of the 125km stretch road by BRTF, setting up of a TD Block and establishment of a Primary health centre in the area.

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