Manipur economy set back by a decade; no roads, investments in hill districts, says NPF MLA
Poor connectivity and repeated blockades of key highways have crippled development projects and worsened the hardships faced by ordinary people, Ram Muivah of the Naga People’s Front, an ally of the BJP in Manipur, says
The prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur has significantly impacted the state's economy, pushing it back by at least a decade, according to NPF MLA Ram Muivah. The conflict has disrupted critical road infrastructure and stalled development in the hill districts, with National Highway 2 and other crucial routes repeatedly affected by disruptions.
Muivah highlighted the lack of power-sharing and accommodation among the Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities as a key issue, stating that Manipur tribes are the only ones in the northeast without Sixth Schedule protection, which they seek for meaningful autonomy. The MLA emphasized that the practice of blocking national highways is illegal and counterproductive, as it harms all communities, regardless of ethnicity.
He criticized the lack of investment in road repairs and upgrades since the conflict began, noting that many roads in Ukhrul and other hill districts are in poor condition and present significant obstacles to economic activity and service delivery.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
