UKHRUL, SEPTEMBER 25: Observing that growing flower has been the common passion among the people in Ukhrul district, retired bureaucrat, Hopingson Shimray, who is currently running for the Naga People’s Front (NPF) ticket to contest the forthcoming Manipur State legislative assembly elections from 43-Phungyar constituency, said he has charted out plans to project Ukhrul as ‘Land of Blooms’ over the next ten years.
Stating that he has a vision to develop 500 tourist spots within the district with all necessary amenities for both national and international tourists alike, Shimray said the inborn desire of the people for floriculture must be encouraged and promoted to make every village adorned with myriad flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Lamenting that tribals have been deprived of the provisions entitled to them under Article 371 (C) of the Constitution since Manipur attained statehood in 1972, he said NPF is the only party to safeguard the rights of the hill people adding the party is now spearheading for the cause of implementing the Article 371C.
In view of the Framework Agreement and the imminent solution of Naga political issue, the villagers were explained as to why they should support the NPF party in the ensuing general Assembly election 2017. Shimray also reminded them about the history of the Naga political issue and their rights and the need to stand unitedly and support NPF for the peace process to realise.
Shimray, who hails from Marou village, has been touring all villages in the three blocks of Kasom, Phungyar and Kamjong under the constituency since last month.
Claiming that he had visited about 70 villages out of 120 under the Phungyar constituency, Shimray said he is planning to cover the remaining 50 villages within October.
Stating that Phungyar constituency is suffering from leadership deficit which has led to sense of social, economic and political insecurity among the masses, he testified that people are now ready for a new leadership with capabilities.
He said one of the main reasons of his joining politics was to improve the living conditions of poor villagers. He said the villagers have now understood his concern and switched over to horticulture from the traditional method of farming and jhumming. He also explained to the villagers to undertake large-scale farming of fruits such as Avocado, Kiwi and others which are suitable to the soil.
On the feasibility of tourism in Ukhrul, Shimray observed that the district is naturally endowed with rich flora and fauna with year-round pleasant weather which are prerequisites for setting up a tourism industry.
