Manipur Govt declares development in Hill areas

Imphal, May 5 (EMN): Even though Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s first Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh led coalition government in Manipur has pronounced many developmental projects for hill areas, the villagers of Tousem which is known as the most backward sub-division in the country among the rights activists, are still facing untold miseries due to absence of governance not to speak of infrastructures.

“The lone PHC and PHSC exists only on paper, ill equipment and absence of medical set up, many ailing patients have succumbed to their diseases on way to nearby Jiribam district,” alleges Paul Newme, secretary NEI, International Human Rights Protection. “So we’re demanding necessary set ups so as to relive suffering of the people.”

Alleging that the staffs of Tousem health centres are all stationed in Tamenglong district headquarter, Paul told this reporter that they’ve also appraised the matter to their local MLA last month. But so far there is no visible development, he said.MLA Awangbou couldn’t be contacted for his comments when the report goes to press.

The headquarter of Tousem sub-division which have around 61 villages and a population of about 27,742, according to 2011 census, is connected with the state capital (via 50km New Kaiphundai-Tousem route) after 190km drive along Imphal-Jiribam Highway.

Stating that the said New Kaiphundai-Tousem route is lying in shambles for many decades (after it was inaugurated 38 years ago), he said as a result accidents are very prone and had claimed many lives till date. Still then around 300 students of the sub-division are depending on the route for the regular movement for studies. Interestingly as there is no public transport (or bus) service for Tousem till now, the villagers used to hire a four wheeler vehicle (jeep or gypsy or truck) at Rs 20,000 for a round trip for their respective purposes. In fact 45 percent of the Tamenglong districts which have about 180 villages are not connected by all weather motorable roads, according to reports.

On the education front, the government schools which are meant to impart education to the children in Tousem are in shambles without required infrastructures, he felt.

Similarly the villagers of Tousem have received no rice under National Food Security Act since July last year, he claimed. “We have also lodged a complaint to the concerned parties but there is no report of any action,” the activist added while responding to a question. “I did not know whether the new government’s plan will work here or not.”