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
Manipur's economy has regressed by at least a decade due to prolonged ethnic conflict, disrupted road infrastructure, and stalled development in hill districts, according to NPF MLA Ram Muivah. In an interview with The Hindu, Muivah, a former IAS officer, highlighted the impact of poor connectivity and repeated blockades on key highways, which have hindered development projects and worsened the lives of ordinary citizens.
The NPF, an ally of the ruling BJP government, emphasized the need for power-sharing and accommodation among the Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities. Muivah pointed out that Manipur tribes lack Sixth Schedule protection and are seeking meaningful autonomy. He criticized the majority community for lacking the spirit of accommodation.
Muivah also mentioned the absence of Central institutions in hill districts, which are largely in the valley. He stated that no Central institute exists in the hill regions, and development efforts are confined to the valley. The MLA condemned highway blockades as illegal and counterproductive, noting that they have impeded development works, construction materials, water supply projects, and damaged roads.
He lamented that there is no smooth road in the entire Ukhrul district and that major projects needed to revive Manipur's economy are stalled. Muivah acknowledged that extortion is rampant and that law and order is poor in Manipur. He stressed that without peace, there can be no development, investment, or future economic growth.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
