The Manipur government on Saturday issued its position on the allegations raised by the 10 Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs of Manipur that the state government has neglected developmental works in the hill districts of the state since the outbreak of the ethnic violence on May 3, 2023.
The 10 Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs of Manipur had submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) on Wednesday, seeking help for implementation of various development projects under NEC in four hill districts of Manipur namely Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Pherzawl.
In this regard, a statement issued by the government said that the Special Development Fund was not released in the year 2023-24 for any district due to non-submission of UCs for funds released in 2022-23.
Works in the districts of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Pherzawl were affected by law and order problems in 2023 and 2024, and this was the same in valley areas as well, it stated. Another issue was difficulty in movement of materials and labour across the state which affected the implementation of works, it added.
From the later part of 2023 works had restarted in most districts. PMGSY, PWD, Pipeline, and Highway works etc. had restarted in a major way in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi with the improvement of law and order, it further said. Water Supply projects under Externally Aided Projects are also continuing along with other civil works in these areas, it mentioned.
It further said that fund release for most projects across the state had been impacted 2023-24 due to the large loss of revenue to the state due to the unrest which was made more difficult due to the need to provide funds for relief, security and elections, among others.
Regarding NEC proposals for 2023-24 sent by Manipur, the proposal also included a project for Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts for using horticulture crops to counter shifting cultivation, it stated.
Apart from DoNER projects, the 4 districts of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Pherzawl also continue to get funding under Externally Aided Projects and Centrally Sponsored Schemes across various sectors, apart from State funded Projects, it added.
