Waphong Inthan - A failed village

Roman Riamroi Inpui *

Waphong Inthan is one of the richest village among the Inpui Naga villages in terms of natural products. However, it is one of the most remote and poorest village in today’s world, which is located in Saitu Gampazol subdivision of Senapati District with a population of around 200, approximately 27 km from the heart of Imphal. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people there.

The village is surrounded by three major & minor rivers i) Ta-ah (Ijei river) in the western side, ii) Lwangla kwa in the eastern side and iii) Rwabwa kwa in the northern side.

It is surprising that the villagers had to build their natural bamboo bridge which was inherited from their forefathers and it lasted longer than the bridges that were constructed by the Government of Manipur in State highways and National Highways. Its not funny. The Government takes around 10 years and these villagers took only one day to complete the bridge.

What a pleasant surprise to tell the world that the Government of Manipur is not happy to help and has failed to do anything for the village.

Following points are the failure of Manipur Government.

Education:- Amazingly, there is not even a primary school. Little kids were walking by foot around 3 km to attend the class in a private school next to the village. For higher studies, we have to walk around 27 kms.

From a related sources, we came to know that the primary school which was sponsored for the village had been stolen by an idiotic man in collaboration with some Government staff long years back.

Health care:- There is no ASHA, no Anganwadi centre, no hospital and pharmacy. OMG, How long do our pregnant woman have to walk 27 km by foot to deliver her child in a hospital?

How long our 3 months old child have to walk long distances for polio vaccine in the thick forests? I know this is not answerable by the Government of India and Manipur.

Connectivity:- We thank the British Government for their big help. The villagers were going through Inthan Lampui or Kangchup road which was constructed by the British during their rule. In their time, iron bridges were also built for the villagers but these no more exists now.

Now, repeatedly the villagers has requested the Government for construction of road and connectivity but they become totally blind after making good promises. If your Government is not happy to help us, please bring back the British for us.

Go to village Mission:- Great! This is a good program launched by the Government of Manipur. We thought that this is specially for poor villagers like us. Oh no, this is total contradictory. From a related sources we came to know that due to bad connectivity, Government officials were not able to reach the village for the program.

Ok we can agree to that. OMG, after some days the MLA along with his colleagues came for fishing in the river with washing powder although it is prohibited by the local bodies.

Election:- What we have is Government mockeracy but not democracy. There is no polling station provided in the village. Sad that villagers have to walk around 19 km by foot or any means to give their votes. The villagers have to take two days and one night for the sake of casting their right.

Candidates promise everything. However, these always turn to blatant lies after their success. When the villagers ask for help, the concerned Department began to ask the number of voters in the village. They’re not willing to help the villagers because of less number of voters.

It is not possible for every Government or political parties, like in India and Manipur, to help the village until their media propaganda is over.

Regular visit to the district headquarters and large voter areas should be immediately stopped by the Ministers and concerned authorities. Government might be thinking of peace and harmony by only visiting the district headquarters and big voters but this may again increase the separatists movement in the remote areas and State.