KAMJONG: Former Manipur chief minister and Thoubal MLA Okram Ibobi Singh has questioned the lack of developmental progress in the Phungyar Assembly constituency over the past decade, while stressing the need for greater participation of women in politics and decision-making.
He was speaking at a political conference on the theme “Empowerment of Women in Politics” held at Kasom Khullen in Kamjong district. The programme was organised by the Phungyar Block and the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee under the leadership of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Victor Keishing.
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Addressing the gathering, Ibobi recalled that the Kasom Khullen–Yairipok road was constructed through Asian Development Bank assistance during the Congress-led governments at the Centre and in Manipur. He also acknowledged the role of former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Rishang Keishing in recommending the road project.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the subdivision, Ibobi said improved connectivity towards the Myanmar border could generate economic opportunities for the state, district and local communities. He questioned why development activities in the region had seen little progress despite the Congress being out of power for the past ten years.
He also questioned how long the state would continue to endure communal conflict and emphasised the need for peace, security and development.
On women’s political empowerment, Ibobi stressed that women must have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making at the local, state and national levels. He said women’s participation in local bodies, the state Assembly and Parliament was essential for the development of the nation. He also referred to the Congress party’s initiative for 30 per cent reservation for women.
Urging voters to question elected representatives about development, he appealed to the people to give the Congress an opportunity in the forthcoming elections and support intending candidate Victor Keishing.
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Speaking to Ukhrul Times exclusively on the recent killings of civilians at Pilong in Kamjong district, Ibobi strongly condemned the killing of innocent people. He alleged that the KNA-B could be responsible for the incident, subject to confirmation, and questioned the Assam Rifles’ failure to prevent alleged cross-border militant activity.
He also held the state and Central governments responsible for the incident, calling for effective measures to ensure the safety of civilians.
On the poor road connectivity in the region, particularly the stretch linking the block headquarters with the Myanmar border, Ibobi said the Congress-led UPA government’s plan had been to construct a ring road up to the Wanglee area near the international border. The proposed connectivity, he said, was intended to facilitate legal cross-border trade and accelerate economic growth. He assured that if the Congress returned to power, connectivity towards the Myanmar border would be prioritised.
All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba expressed concern over women’s safety in Manipur and across the country, expressing regret over reported rape incidents in the state.
She credited the Congress with improving road connectivity and alleged that unemployment and inadequate healthcare facilities had remained major concerns under the BJP-led governments.
Lamba also criticised the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for not visiting Manipur during the preceding three years, alleging that political leaders would visit the state for election campaigning as polls approached.
She urged women to question the BJP leadership about its response to the state’s situation and asserted that the BJP government had failed the people of the Northeast.
Former MLA and MPCC working president Victor Keishing stressed the need for improved security and connectivity in Phungyar constituency, particularly in areas adjoining the Myanmar border.
Referring to recent remarks by the Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long that it would seek assistance from China, Keishing said the comments were made out of desperation and urged people not to interpret them negatively.
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He highlighted the difficulties faced by residents due to inadequate road connectivity and called on women to participate actively in politics, noting that they constitute nearly half of the population. He said greater participation by women could contribute to cleaner elections and better governance.
Speaking separately to Ukhrul Times, Keishing said women’s participation in politics had always been a priority for the Congress.
He also stated that the need of the Phungyar constituency is border security for all communities. Questioning the lack of adequate security arrangements, he asked whether people living along the border were not citizens of the country. He maintained that ensuring their safety was the responsibility of the government.
Keishing also criticised the ruling parties for blaming one another over the lack of development, describing the situation as laughable.
The conference was attended by Sugnu MLA K. Ranjit, Khangabok MLA Okram Kenedy, All India Mahila Congress national secretaries Aditha and Barnali, former minister K. Ratankumar, MPCC vice-president and Mahila Congress in-charge L. Tilotama, Manipur Mahila Congress president M. Sharma, NSUI president Joyson Khoho and other Congress leaders, including John Panmei, P. Bankim Chandra Meitei, Amir Hussain, R. Thiampuina, Cosmic Jajo and Allahudin.
Hundreds of women and villagers attended the programme.
