UKHRUL: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), under the initiative of former Manipur Chief Minister and party President Okram Ibobi Singh, visited Indo-Myanmar border villages in Kamjong District today.
During the visit, the team toured Ashang Khullen, Namlee village, and Wanglee Market, areas recently attacked by suspected Myanmar-based insurgent groups. The team was unable to visit Choro village, one of the affected villages, due to adverse weather and poor road conditions.
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The delegation included former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Phungyar Constituency and current MPCC Working President Victor Keishing, MLA Okram Surjakumar, former Minister Khumujam Ratankumar, former MLA Amin Shah, MPCC Ex-Working President Devabrata, MPCC General Secretary Amir Hussain, Phungyar BCC Vice President Titus Awungshi, Phungyar BCC Youth President Thotchuishang, along with several party workers.
Speaking to the press, former Phungyar MLA and current MPCC Working President Victor Keishing stated that the team’s purpose was to assess the situation in the border villages, including Choro, Namlee, Wanglee, and KAKA, and to extend help from the Congress party. He expressed sadness regarding the current conditions in the border areas, emphasizing that this region is part of India and that its residents are protecting the country’s boundaries.
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Further, Keishing questioned why the government had not assisted the people in these areas. He highlighted that what should be a short trip of 40 km takes over 6-7 hours, and he pondered how this is acceptable in modern India. He also pointed out the lack of electricity, health services, and mobile connectivity. He stressed that the villagers, who guard the border, deserve support. He urged the Manipur Home Minister to make repeated visits to assist the people, noting that national safety is tied to border security.
MLA Okram Surjakumar, speaking to the media at Wanglee Market, remarked that during Congress’s previous rule, an all-weather road was constructed to Kasom Khullen to enhance the important trade route to Myanmar. He acknowledged the villagers’ grievances, including poor road connectivity, border disputes, the need for a bridge, constant gunfire from the Myanmar side, demands for the stationing of state security forces, as well as inadequate medical facilities and schools. He expressed hope that the government would address these issues, reiterating that the villagers are the ones truly protecting the border.
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Former Minister Khumujam Ratankumar emphasized that the visit was conducted under the guidance of Congress President O. Ibobi Singh to assess conditions and provide whatever assistance possible to affected villages, especially following the recent violence in the area. He expressed distress over the villagers’ plight, which includes insufficient road connectivity, ongoing gunfire, lack of security, and inadequate medical facilities. He assured that their grievances would be communicated to the government.
The team brought 200 bags of rice, along with other essential commodities, for the affected villagers in the area.