SIPHRO

Imphal, April 27, 2006: In addition to their inevitable part in the containment of militant activities in the State, security forces posted in Manipur are engaging themselves in various activities that would ameliorate the woes of people.

In a major shift of their duties or rather addition, security forces have been undertaking numerous programmes for the welfare of the people of this backward State so as to win the much needed support of the people in their fight against the militants.

In the aftermath of the ouster of underground elements from the interior areas of Churachandpur district, security personnel have stepped up their civic action programmes with an aim to win the confidence of the villagers.

Following extreme deterioration in the condition of the Churachandpur-Tipaimukh stretch of NH 150, all transport services in this part of Manipur have been suspended since 1987-88.A team of media persons travelling on two Tata Sumos took 12 hours to reach Thanlon which is only 212 kms away from Imphal.

On account of the extremely bad road condition, the vehicles could cover only 25 kms per hour.

Moreover, there was no facility either for electricity or telecommunication.

Even as there are huge forest produces along Churachandpur-Tipaimukh road, the non-motorable condition of the road denies any possibility for supplementary incomes from these forest produces.

On the other hand, bamboo flowering were observed last year in the area and there is strong possibility of bamboo flowering this year too and consequently shortage of food grain shortage looms large in the area.

Nevertheless a humble effort to repair the road has been initiated following the posting of four security battalions in the area.

To all the villagers involved in the road development work, 5 kgs of rice are provided under Food For Work programme launched by the District Administration, informed a high-ranking officer of security forces posted there.

Coupled with the apprehension for shortage of foodgrains this year, community farming of ginger and turmeric have been taken under the sponsorship of Rajputana Rifles, Assam Rifles etc.

Despite the high yield of ginger in Thanlon, there is no buyer for it even at Rs 3 per kg for there is no transport infrastructure in the area, said CO of 3rd Rajputana Rifles Jaiswal.

To help the farmers, security forces would help in transporting their products to Mizoram for marketing there, assured the officer.

CO of 3 AR RS Bains mentioned that four community farming projects have also taken with an objective to forge closer ties with people.

Source: The Sangai Express