Imphal, March 31: The last minute cancellation of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh's proposed visit to Thanlon and Parbung sub-division of Churachandpur district has evoked sharp responses from the expectant villagers.

Inhabitants of these remote villages, including the village chiefs had waited anxiously for the Chief Minister's arrival on March 28 to highlight their grievances but their aspiration did not materialise due to the last minute cancellation of Ibobi's tour.

Interestingly the villagers had no knowledge of the boycott of the CM's visit by some social organisations.

In the backdrop of allegations against cadres of two UG groups committing atrocities on women folk of Parbung and Thanlon sub-divisions, the Chief Minister was scheduled to arrive there to take a personal account of the prevailing situation.

confirming the cancellation of the CM's tour programme officials of 3 Rajputana Rifles conveyed the same to the Thanlon SDC Paochindou Simte and the latter presided a simple function wherein red blankets, sports materials and lanterns were distributed to the villagers.

Unaware that the visit will be shelved village headmen of some nearby villages reportedly walked many kilometres to reach the sub-divisional headquarters of Thanlon a day ahead.

Most of the about 25 headmen who had to trudge through the rough terrain were inquisitive on the reasons for cancelling the CM's visit when they interacted with newspersons at Thanlon.

Among other serious problems afflicting the region, the village headmen demanded that State authorities ensure availability of BPL and SGY rice and expedite ongoing works on development of National Highway 150 so that Thanlon and Parbung area villagers can enjoy the fruit of modern amenities.

Speaking to the media, headman of Gamchui village alerted the Government that the villagers had begun to leave their homesteads as threat of food scarcity is looming large in villages of the remote sub-division and conveyed their fervent appeal to the CM to take necessary redressal measures.

Some villagers also alleged that they were engaged as labourers at nearby Army camps without any payment in cash or kind thereby limiting opportunities to seek economically viable works in other places.

However some village headmen were full of praise for the troops.

Prompt treatment and medical facilities extended to blast victims by the army authorities came in for high praise from the headmen.

Highlighting severe difficulties in finding drinking water, Suanpi Guite of Mualnom village drew the attention of the Chief Minister towards mitigating the problem by supplying GI pipes to connect the village to a water source.

On the other hand, recent army operation to flush-out underground elements from pockets of Thanlon sub-division had resulted in gradual return of civil administration as notices have reportedly been served asking unauthorised families to vacate the Government quarters in order to accommodate designated officials and staffs.

a vivid example of governance in Thanlon area include reopening of the PHC and civilian doctor along with medical personnel of the Army working in tandem to provide health care facilities.

Local sources also informed that medicines were stocked in the PHE cupboards ahead of the CM's visit.

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