Imphal, June 15 2009: "The needs of the public will be highlighted in the Parliament instead of presenting what I think are the needs of the public.

And addressing issues in the interest of the public will be my precedence," Outer Manipur Member of Parliament Thangso Baite said today.

Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao at his residence located at Hmar Veng in Churachandpur, the newly elected MP from the outer Manipur, Thangso Baite said any developmental works will be taken up according to the needs without any distinction on community.

Mobilisation of the public for tapping natural resources of the hill areas is needed at this juncture, he said on being asked as to what plan he had to tap the rich natural resources of the state exclusively on horticultural and agricultural sectors.

"The people of the hill lack finance and skills to harness the natural resources of the state apart from unfavourable and hostile law and order situation.

The first thing that can be done as of now is to mobilise the people," Baite said.

The MP further said that the agriculture or horticulture produces in the state are low and so is the response from the government, while referring to state produces like Pineapple, Orange, Lemon, etc in the state.

"Low production results in lack of marketing venues," he observes.

On the question of opposition to the recent cabinet decision for the deployment of more security forces in the Hill areas, the MP said the decision is yet to be nailed down by the Cabinet.

However, he added that government security (IRB and Police commando) is a must for the facilitation and restoration of public security.

Therefore, any resistance or opposition to public security could have been motivated.

"I'm not sure what could be the 'hidden motives' behind contesting such decision," Baite said when asked to comment on the opposition raised by some sections through the media.

The Outer MP is very much appreciative and contented of the steps taken by the State Government in dealing and tackling the 'Mautam' (periodical bamboo flowering) phenomenon so far.

Baite said: "My tenure as an MP has only just begun.

So far I have not gathered even the statistical data of Mautam affected people.

Moreover, I'm not yet approached by the concerned citizens".

"What I can do on this regard is to get acquainted with the problem and approach the concerned authorities along with the people or suggest them ways," Thangso Baite said when asked what role he will play on the issue.

On a query to whether the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) signed by Government of India, Government of Manipur and two camps of the hill-based militant groups – the KNO and UPF – will bring lasting peace in the hill areas of the state, Thangso Baite candidly admits his ignorance on the points laid down in the ground rules of the agreement.

He said, "I'm yet to see the ground rules of the agreement".

When his comment was sought on the pending District Council elections in the state, he affirmed that he endorses the idea of holding the election at the earliest.

The Outer MP has, however, refused to comment to a question on the reported 'high possibility' of any of the three state Congress MPs induction in the vacant Minister of State posts.

He guardedly said "I'm not answerable to it".

To a question on how it feels like the moment he took oath as an MP, Thangso wittily said, "Confirmed," drawing a gist of his affirmation as a Member of Parliament.

"Just as the people voted me to be their representative, I also want and hope that the people will continue to give their cooperation in the days to come in my endeavour as an MP," he honestly expressed at the last leg of the over 20-minutes long interaction.

Earlier in the day, the Congress MP from Outer Manipur constituency was felicitated at his residence at Hmar Veng, Churachandpur by the District Election Committee of his party.

Thangso Baite also met local press and had an interaction with them after the felicitation programme today.

Congratulating his feat, local media association, TKJU members have also presented a shawl to the new MP.

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