Hunphun Village Authority expresses displeasure at the misrepresentation of its voice and demands MLA of 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency Ram Muivah to rectify and clarify the minutes of the meeting held on 21 December 2022 by 20 January 2023
By Tennoson Pheiray, TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Hunphun Ukhrul Village Authority on Thursday alleged that the voice and aspirations presented by the Ukhrul/Hunphun local authorities in the meeting held on 21 December 2022 in the Conference Hall of the Executive Director (P), NHIDCL Regional Office, Imphal were misrepresented in the minutes of the meeting. The meeting was held in connection with the two-lane Ukhrul bypass project of National Highway 102A.
Expressing displeasure at the misrepresentation, the Hunphun Ukhrul Village Authority demanded MLA of 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency Ram Muivah to rectify and clarify the minutes of the meeting by 20 January 2023. The decision was taken in a joint meeting of Hunphun Village Authority and Hunphun Frontal Organisations held on 11 January 2023, said the Hunphun Ukhrul Village Authority in a press conference held at Rashing Hall in Ukhrul on Thursday. A memorandum was submitted in this regard to MLA Ram Muivah.
According to the Memorandum, the Ukhrul/Hunphun local authority never mentioned and wrote to NHIDCL for the upgradation of the road from Dungrei to Khamasom Junction rather it mentioned that the NH-102A should pass through the heart of Ukhrul Town.
“The Ukhrul/Hunphun representatives never mentioned and apprised in your presence, in the meeting that the major portion of Ukhrul Town road is already having 15-17-meter width except for Mission Ground to Kharasom Junction. As per the original DPR 2017, the NHIDCL must be aware that the road from Mission Ground to Kharasom Junction is not the only exception,” it said.
The memorandum further maintained that it was repeatedly made known and expressed in the meeting to the NHIDCL Officials in the esteem. “The presence of MLA Ram Muivah that the Ukhrul/Hunphun local authority will never consent to the construction of Ukhrul By-pass Road until the NH-102A is constructed as per the original DPR of 2017. However, after constant reminders and expressions in the meeting, we are immensely disappointed that our verbal expression in the meeting was not presented in the minutes of the meeting made by NHIDCL,” it said.
The representation was jointly signed by Headman of Hunphun H A Sarimaya Hunphunwo and Village Authority secretary W Muirangwo and requested the MLA to rectify the minutes of the meeting and not jeopardize the integrity of the meeting.
The Village Authority of Hunphun said that a copy of the minutes of the meeting held on 21 December 2022 was signed by MLA Ram Muivah and was made available to Hunphun Ukhrul Village Authority. It alleged that the minutes of the meeting circulated were not as per the discussion during the meeting. The minutes of the meeting were distorted and concocted.
“In spite of making our stands very clear, we are very disappointed to see the people in power deceiving the wish and desires of the people of Hunphun,” said H. A. Sarimaya Hunphunwo. “This is our land, and we have the right to decide where the road should pass for the greater interest of the people living in Ukhrul Headquarters. First, construct the NH 102A and later the by-pass,” he added.
- Muirangwo said that intimation was never given to Hunphun Village Authority for carrying out a survey of the By-pass on the western side of Ukhrul Headquarters. “We received information only about the survey on the eastern side of Ukhrul Headquarters and was carried out accordingly and successfully. Hunphun Village Authority has extended all possible help in carrying out the survey,” he added.
President of Hunphun Shanao Long Agnes Shaiza said, “Widening the stretch of road of Ukhrul Town is the wish of the people staying at Ukhrul Headquarters and not only the interest of Hunphun women.”
Convenor of NH 102A Khayui Raleng expressed disappointment with the Minister for Works, Manipur, and NHIDCL Officials for blatantly twisting and misrepresenting the wish and aspirations presented by the people of Hunphun.
“During our initial meeting, we were verbally told by the Works Minister to clear the issues and problems and various complaints put up by different bodies. Believing in his assurance, we have run every knock and corner to clear all the stumbling blocks. After getting all the clearance, it is very unfortunate to see the Works Minister and NHIDCL Officials backtracking on their words,” he said.
Khayui Raleng also said that the Tangkhul Naga Long, the apex body of Tangkhul Community has adopted a resolution in the TNL Longshim held on 11- 13 December 2003, Vide Resolution No. 9, whereby it has resolved to widen the Ukhrul Town Road at 70 feet width and agreed to extend cooperation to the process of NH-102A that will pass through the heart of Ukhrul Town.
“The TNL has reaffirmed the adopted resolution on 5 September 2017 and again on 23 August 2022. This only proves that not only Hunphun but every Tangkhul community residing in Ukhrul Headquarters welcomes the NH102A,” he added.
The press conference was also attended by Chonmi Raleng, President of All Bunphun Tnag Association, Rekngaran Zingkhai, Member NH-102A, Kharkhui Raleng, Member NH-102A and Village Authority members of Hunphun.