Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have been neglected for a long time in allotting ministerial berths in the formation of the state government, the Raphei Wungnao Association (Raphei Chief Association) on said on Friday
Raphei Wungnao Association general secretary SA Ramnganing stated in a a press conference that the people's representatives from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have been neglected for a long time in allotting ministerial berths. He said that it amounts to discrimination and step motherly treatment towards the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong.
Ramnganing said that the vast expanse of area has been left high and dry without any attention. He added that the last time the representative from Ukhrul was given ministerial berth was in 1990 when Somi Shimray was elected from 45-Chingai assembly constituency. Raphei Wungnao Asaociation is a conglomeration of Headman from 45 villages in the northern part of Ukhrul district.
Raphei Katamnao Long president R Wongam stated that the slogan ‘Ching-Tam-Amattani’ is nothing but a farce. The present pandemic has made it more conspicuous to the lack of development in the hill area especially the northern part of Ukhrul district, he said. There is no infrastructure to set up a quarantine centre in Chingai assembly constituency which itself speaks volumes and reality of development, he said.
Once again, the representatives from Ukhrul district have been denied a place in the highest decision making body of the government, he alleged.
Chiarman of Zingtun Longphang (Western Zone), Yurthing Kasar said, “No district should be left behind if we are to progress and develop Manipur as a whole. Is there any reason why elected representatives from Ukhrul cannot be awarded a ministerial berth when elected representatives from other district are blessed with one or more ministerial berth?”
Chaiman of Ato Longphang (North Zone), Dearson Chamroy stated that people of Ukhrul district deserve a ministerial berth. It is one of the most neglected areas by the past and present government he added. Successive governments have failed to understand and address the wishes and desires of the people.
