An interview with Thangso Baite - MP (Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency)
- Taken on June 7, 2009 -

By Ninglun Hanghal *

Ninglun Hanghal of The Sangai Express caught up with the newly elected Congress MP from Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency at Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday June 7, 2009 .

Here is the interview:

Ninglun Hanghal : How does it feel to be among the 543 Member of Parliaments from all over India.
Thangso Baite : I am one among them, I am happy to be part of the 543 member Lok Sabha.

MP Thangso Baite

NH: Why did you choose to be Member of Parliament rather than State Legislative Assembly (being a Minister of State in the Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2002)
TB : As Member of Parliament I wanted to build a better relation between the State and the Centre. In order to enable the State Government to take up developmental works from the Centre.

NH : You must be well aware of the situation of Manipuris living in Delhi ( discriminations, harassments , particularly women ) . Being an MP now you will be sitting in Delhi, and many form Manipur here would be looking forward to you as a 'guardian'. What is your take on this ? Do you plan to see or take up steps on this front for Manipuris in Delhi ?
TB : Basically we, people of North East India including Manipur are different in our physical looks, culture and behaviour which the mainland Indians find peculiar. I would like to suggest that being an Indian, on our part, regarding dress or fashion, even food habits, we require to adjust and reflect ourselves in accordance to the prevailing environment and the society. Regarding any problems faced by any individual or groups, being a representative of Manipur , I will take care of the situation as and when required.

NH : Give us some brief highlights General information for the public, on developmental plans for the people of Manipur some of the implementation and functioning of the Centre in relation to the State.
TB: To be frank , regarding implementation of development works and projects the matter mainly depend upon the State. The State Government is the implementing agency. My duty as an MP is to ask the Centre for prompt sanction for the State from various Ministries concerned.

NH : What are some of your priorities ? Any first step to be taken up in relation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 100 days action plan?
TB : As a whole , the 100 days action plan implies to all the States in India, out of which the priority in Manipur will be welfare policies in the social sector and public security.

NH : Your comment or observation on the situation of Manipur its political and social tension. What according to you would be the road map, the vision for peace in the State and for the whole region of North East India in General. What do you intend to do on these issues ?
TB : In Manipur there is political stability . As per my observation, there is social tensions because of some anti social elements. The State Government till today is taking positive steps to control the situation by modernizing State security forces and this will bring a better result with public cooperation.

Total peace cannot be expected in a short span of time since the ailing situation of the society is chronic. But there is hope for normalcy in the State under the UPA Government in the Centre and SPF in the State. The State cannot work in isolation, so also the Centre cannot directly intervene.

NH : Any message for the people back at home ?
Thangso Baite : I would like to say to the people of Manipur particularly to the people of Outer Manipur constituency, let us try to contribute something to the State. Instead of asking from the State, which should be the ultimate solution of all social evils dominant in our society.
"Peoples' vigilance is the price of liberty".

Check out Election photo gallery here.

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* Ninglun Hanghal tok this interview and was featured in The Sangai Express on June 9 2009 edition . This article was webcasted on June 14, 2009.

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