PM’s Maiden Visit & Manipur Issues
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: November 29, 2014 -
Narendra Modi has apparently developed a typical soft corner for the North East, particularly Manipur and Nagaland.
Among the instances of his expression of concern for the border state of Manipur lying at the easternmost edge of the country, mention may be made of the much-acclaimed Sports University and the huge amounts earmarked for road infrastructure in Manipur.
His first visit to the state before the Lok Sabha elections was something of a different nature as Modi showed utmost intimacy with and importance of this border state.
After he became the Prime Minister of India, Modi plans to visit the twin states of Manipur and Nagaland for the state festivals of both the neighboring sister-states at one go.
Although it is just for one and a half hour that the Prime Minister is going to land in Manipur, we can expect a lot of ventures from the maiden visit of this dynamic and visionary leader.
Manipur state, having numerous problems at hand, needs to chalk out the most important issues as agenda for discussion with the Indian Premier during his short hang-about in the state.
Number one priority for the state is the border and territorial integrity issue.
The PM may be requested to give an assurance to the people that the Article-3 of Indian Constitution would be amended in order to remove the fear of flouting state’s territorial integrity from the minds of the people.
Number two is the Highway insecurity. The state may request the PM to prioritize the development of National Highways connecting Manipur with the rest of India along with providing Highway Protection Force to face the frequent disturbances to commuters.
Number three is the economic empowerment of Manipur. The PM may provide a package wherein the young population of the state is provided with suitable jobs by establishing mega manufacturing industries for large scale cultivation of medicinal plants, for fisheries or for fruit cultivation and processing.
Taking advantage of the much-hyped ‘Look East Policy’ or the ‘Act East Policy’ which Modi has logically renamed, Manipur state can well improve its economy through establishment of suitable manufacturing units, raw materials and skills of which are abundantly available in the state.
Prevailing youth unrest in the state will automatically be diminished with the economic empowerment of the people through productive employment.
Number four priority is the question of State Autonomy, which the Centre may consider for this kaleidoscopic state at the international border with Myanmar.
Number five is that the PM be requested to arrange for handover of the Loktak Hydro Electric Project to Manipur State from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, so that the revenue generated from this project may be enjoyed by the state and by owning the project, the state will not have power scarcity.
If the state can put up such issues during the short visit of the Prime Minister, the closing ceremony of the Sangai Festival will definitely prove fruitful.
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