Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, addressing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Thursday chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flagged the mounting challenges posed by the conflict in Myanmar. He underscored the urgent need for stronger border management, advanced surveillance systems, and coordinated joint action against drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking, the chief minister’s office stated.
Border Fencing Progress
Khemchand also informed the Aayog that to check illegal arms and drug smuggling across the India-Myanmar border, the Ministry of Home Affairs has completed 50 km of border fencing. Work on another 80 km has started.
Meeting Theme and Law and Order
The theme of the NITI Aayog meeting this year was ‘Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047’, focusing on the foundation for the future of states and the nation. The CMO stated that the CM in his address said with the strong action of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and joint efforts of the central and state governments, the overall law and order situation in Manipur has improved.
Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons
On the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the CM said with central support, humanitarian steps have been taken up for the IDPs. He said that with the help of the Centre, around 11,000 families have been resettled so far and the state government is making all efforts to resettle the remaining families at the earliest. The CM also informed the Aayog that IDPs from Jiribam have started returning to their original homes. He expressed his wish to repeat the Jiribam example in all other districts of Manipur. He requested more central help to restore dignity, security and lasting livelihoods for the displaced.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Demands
To help remote areas, the CM asked for more districts and blocks to be added under the aspirational districts and aspirational blocks programmes. He also sought accelerated support for Act East connectivity, including national highways, railways, and border trade infrastructure at Moreh, so that Manipur can fully fulfil its role as India’s Gateway to East Asia under the Act East Policy.
