Kamjong: Sanjay Seth, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, visited Manipur’s Kamjong district and reviewed various developmental programmes being implemented in the region.
His visit marks the first time a Union Minister has set foot in the border district of Kamjong. The district, carved out as a separate administrative unit in 2016, comprises 126 villages and 20 hamlets, sparsely spread across 2,400 sq. km, with a population of 45,616.
The Union Minister is on a maiden two-day visit to the Naga-inhabited district, which shares a 120-km-long international border with Myanmar. Over the past few months, Kamjong has witnessed widespread protests against the sealing of the India-Myanmar border and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
Upon his arrival at Sampui ground, the Union Minister was received by Kamjong Deputy Commissioner Rangnamei Rang Peter and Superintendent of Police Ningsem Vashum. He proceeded directly to the SDO Office Conference Hall, Kamjong, for a meeting.
Taking to his official X account, the Union Minister wrote, “Held a meeting with officials of Kamjong district of Manipur. Reviewed the implementation of various schemes related to health, education, infrastructure, financial inclusion, agriculture, access to electricity, and other key parameters in the district. Also took feedback related to development plans during the meeting.”
He also stated, “During this meeting, spoke to Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt @Annapurna4BJP ji on the phone and discussed welfare schemes under her ministry. Highlighted the success of one-stop centre and other related initiatives.”
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner HL Jain, the Minister held a closed-door meeting with District Level Officers (DLOs) of Kamjong and deliberated on the challenges faced by the hill district. The Union Minister reportedly assured officials that the concerns raised would be conveyed to the Prime Minister’s Office.
In addition to the DLO meeting, the Minister also met with Self Help Groups (SHGs) from across Kamjong district to better understand the everyday issues faced by the people.
On Thursday, the second day of his visit, the Minister and his team are expected to engage with civil society organisations (CSOs) and other key bodies representing the region.
Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who formally welcomed the Union Minister, submitted a memorandum highlighting the pressing issues facing the border district. Chief among the concerns was the opposition to the proposed border fencing announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 8, 2024.
MLA Keishing stated that the fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime have met with strong resistance from the Naga community. He warned that implementing such policies without the free, prior, and informed consent of the local population would only lead to further alienation and sever historic, cultural, social, and economic ties with Naga communities living across the border in Myanmar.
He also pointed out that protests against unethical border demarcation have been ongoing since 1967. The demarcation, which he said was inherited from the British colonial era and retained by successive Indian governments, continues to spark dissent among the hill people, especially in border villages.
The MLA urged the Union Minister to consider halting both the fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime until the issue is resolved through consultation and dialogue in the interest of the people.
Keishing further noted that although the Government of India has constructed the “Indo-Myanmar Friendship Road” just 5 km from the disputed border pillar—within the territory claimed by Myanmar—there are no proper roads along the Indian side of the entire border stretch.
He also proposed the creation of a sustainable model town and the establishment of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at K. Ashang Khullen Aze (KAKA) and Z Choro, located along the Maklang riverbank. According to the MLA, 1,800 acres of land have already been set aside for the ICP, and a detailed project proposal amounting to Rs 601.7 crore has been submitted to the government for approval.
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