Manipur Governor La Ganesan on Tuesday expressed hopes for complete removal of AFSPA from the entire state of Manipur, observing that “some issues are local in nature while some lie solely with the Centre.”
He was addressing the people of Chingai area at Nungpi Khullen playground during his maiden visit to Ukhrul district on Tuesday.
He said that AFSPA Act 1958 has been revoked in certain areas where situations are peaceful while it remains active in some areas. “I wish that the Act is done away with,” he added.
He further urged citizens of Chingai area in Manipur's Ukhrul district to give their full cooperation to the government to avail benefits. Only when people give their cooperation, the government can initiate measures to solve the issues facing them.
He was accompanied by secretary to governor, Waikhom; state senior officers, DC and SP of Ukhrul, CMO Ukhrul, DLOs among others.
The governor expressed his appreciation to the various cultural items displayed by the locals.
“These rich cultural presentations show that you are preserving the culture. For so long, you have treasured this practice; India as a nation will continue to exist,” he said.
Stressing on the essence of Aadhaar card, he said every one must possess Aadhaar card as all the government-related benefits for the citizen comes through Aadhaar citizens.
He continued that every citizen must have a bank account as the various schemes and incentives from the government are credited directly to each individual bank account.
He cited Pradhan matri Jandhan yojana scheme where women could avail benefits with zero balance and further urged to get free covid vaccinations given by the government.
The visiting governor also stressed on the importance of ‘border fencing’ mentioning that this will protect India's from external forces. The purpose of erecting fences is not to block entry of outsiders but to let them enter India through proper routes.
As part of the event, the local ‘shanao long elders’, youth displayed traditional folk dance, folk song to the visiting Manipur's governor.
Tug of wall competition between Longpi Khullen and outsiders was also exhibited where the Raj Bhavan Imphal awarded the winner Longpi Khullen as well as the loser with monetary prizes.
The famed Longpi pottery making experiments were also exhibited to the governor by the locals.
Concerning the various representations made by the Nungpi khullen village authority, village authorities of various Chingai kendra and CSOs, La Ganesan assured the public that their concerns will be promptly look into and action taken report will be delivered in consultation with chief minister N Biren Singh and DC Ukhrul.
Meanwhile, the presidents of the Tangkhul civil bodies including Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang, Tangkhul Naga Ato Longphang, and Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang in their memorandum submitted to the governor of Manipur La Ganesan strongly urged for removal of AFSPA Act 1958 from all the hill areas and the districts of Manipur and to exempt the entire Northeast states from the proposed compulsory imposition of Hindi.
In the representation, the CSOs thanked the government for improving the health infrastructure in the district.
The bodies however lamented the poor internet connection, stating that internet connection gets off the moment electric power is cut. This has inconvenienced the populace to a great extent, they said and urged to improve this genuine grievances without further delay.
Concerning highways, the CSOs had urged to improve Jessami to Ukhrul headquarters life line.
The civil bodies then apprised the issues of utilisation of manpower posted in Ukhrul but utilised in capital Imphal.
They also urged to strengthen educational infrastructure with technical education, and called for improvement of banking facilities.
