US Consul General Melinda Pavek has raised the need to resolve the ongoing unrest in the state, asserting that Manipur’s strategic location, bordering Myanmar, is crucial for national security and international trade.
In an exclusive interview with the Imphal Free Press on Sunday, Melinda Pavek stated that Manipur holds significant strategic and economic importance as it serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing India’s Act East Policy.
Highlighting the state’s importance in the region, she said that Manipur’s development is vital for regional stability and integration with the broader economic framework of Southeast Asia.
“The state’s diverse ethnic tapestry and vibrant traditions add to India’s cultural richness. Economically, it offers potential in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and handicrafts. Rich in natural resources, Manipur contributes to biodiversity and ecological balance,” she said. She stressed that resolving the unrest would be the first step to realizing Manipur’s full potential.
In 2022, Melinda visited Manipur to attend the Sangai Festival. She said that the experience was fascinating.
She recalled that the festival and its celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Manipur offered a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant traditions, arts, and crafts of the region.
“One of the highlights for me was the traditional dance performances, which showcased the intricate and graceful movements. I also filled my suitcases with local handicrafts and textiles, so that I could continue to enjoy the skilled craftsmanship of the local artisans in my own home,” she said.
She narrated that the scenic beauty of Manipur, with its lush landscapes and serene lakes, added to the overall charm of the trip. She told the Imphal Free Press that the warm hospitality of the people of the state was memorable. Everyone’s friendliness and eagerness to share their culture made the experience very special, she said.
“People told me how happy they were that the security situation was improved so they could begin to expand the economic development in the state. This positive impression made the sudden outbreak of violence in May 2023 very shocking. I hope for a return to peace in Manipur soon so that we can again travel to the state and enjoy in-person engagement with all communities of the state,” she said.
Responding to a query on how the United States is carrying out its own campaign against the drug menace, she said that domestically, the US faces significant challenges related to drug abuse, particularly the opioid crisis, which has cost many lives and has had a devastating impact on many US communities.
To combat the threats of illicit drugs and precursors, the US government has implemented a National Drug Control Strategy with enhanced law enforcement efforts to disrupt the supply of illicit opioids.
To save and rehabilitate those facing drug addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and an Opioid Crisis Response that includes increased access to treatment and that promotes research on pain management and addiction, have been implemented as well.
“Globally, we have several anti-narcotics programs aimed at combating drug abuse and trafficking. Our global initiatives include collaborative efforts with local authorities, public awareness campaigns about the dangers of drug use, and support for rehabilitation centers,” she added.
When inquired about the various anti-narcotics programs carried out by the US Consulate Kolkata, she said that as part of the US Mission to India, the Consulate in Kolkata joins with US government law enforcement and health agencies in collaborating with Government of India counterparts under the bilateral Counter Narcotics Work Group (CNWG).
The joint venture looks forward to the upcoming engagement, in New Delhi later in 2024. The US government works closely with Indian law enforcement agencies to enhance drug interdiction and share information and best practices training, she added.
She also shared the various programmes that have been conducted in Manipur.
She said that the US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is working with the state government in Manipur and other states to advance inclusive development, harness innovation, and elevate locally-led solutions for sustainable, impactful results.
She said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID supported the installation of 10 ICU beds at the District Hospital in Tamenglong, Manipur, boosting its critical care capacity by 200 percent. The USAID has also supported the state government by delivering comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services to affected populations, especially orphans and vulnerable children, she added.
She also mentioned that the CDC has helped the National AIDS Control Organization scale and improve the quality of health services for the people who inject drugs and improve HIV testing and case finding under Project Sunshine.
The community-run Transgender Health and Wellness Clinic in Imphal and the Adolescent and Young PWID (People who Inject Drugs) Centre in Churachandpur are examples of how CDC is supporting SACS to reach people at risk of contracting HIV, she said.
The CDC is also supporting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and State AIDS Control Society strengthen infection prevention and control measures at multiple healthcare facilities in Manipur, she mentioned.
Beyond health collaboration, the US Consulate recently completed an Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund grant entitled ‘e-Nupikeithel’, she said.
The grant, issued in 2022, was run by a program alumna and implemented by Integrated Rural Development Service Organization in Manipur. The grant empowered women artisans from various communities of Manipur who practiced one of eight dying ethnic crafts and helped them preserve their heritage and sustain their livelihood by educating them on digital and e-commerce literacy and launching a website that will help share Manipur’s handicrafts with the world.
When asked about her experience as the Consul General in Kolkata and the Northeast, she said, “Being Consul General to this incredible region has been a highlight of my career. Even after three years, I pinch myself sometimes to see if this amazing opportunity has only been a dream.”
“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘It is not an easy or convenient life for which I search, but rather a life lived to the edge of all my possibilities.’ The people of my 11-state district are incredible and living by this quote every day, and I admire them all so much. Therefore, to see the nightmare of violence that has torn apart the fabric of society in Manipur has broken my heart, especially because people there were so hopeful when I visited in November 2022. There are no simple solutions,” she said.
“I believe healing the trauma of the past fifteen months will take time and intentional reconciliation efforts. Investments in such efforts – in the people, the communities, the infrastructure, the educational institutions, the businesses, and the ecosystems – is a necessary and smart move for peace to return to Manipur,” she added.
