Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

Allow me your indulgence at this stage to refer to the continuing infrastructure
deficit in Manipur, and if I may add the entire North East region,
lags behind other regions of the country in terms of road connectivity, power
availability, banking and financial services, water supply ad sanitation, etc. I
need hardly emphasise that rapid and balanced economic development is the
need of the hour and, Sir, let me assure you that the Government of Manipur
led by the Indian National Congress, and assisted by the UPA Govt. at the
Centre under your able leadership, is making concerted and sustained efforts
to achieve this objective. The UPA Government's flagship programmes like
the NREGS has contributed significantly to the people in the rural areas
finding gainful employment and also to create community assets. Sir, the
NREGS has ensured that the people at the grass-root level have a stake in their
own development. We congratulate you for this remarkable success.
I also thank Shri Mani Shanker Aiyar, Hon'ble Minster for Development of
the North East Region for his unstinted efforts in catalysing development in the
NER. Earlier the approach of the Central Government was to insulate the NER.
There were several restrictions on travel, movement, etc. This has not been
helpful for the economic development. In fact it also worsens 'xenophobia' or
fear of strangers/others. We need to adopt a wholesome development approach
and the North East Region, particularly Manipur which offers the most feasible
land-route, as the Gateway to the dynamic South East Asian countries. The
Look East Policy has given a new hope, an direction, to the people of the
North East Region. Sir, we believe firmly that this process will gain further
momentum under your visionary leadership.
Promotion of feeling of security among minorities and other vulnerable
sections
As a small border state, the feeling of insecurity or vulnerability among
the people of Manipur is understandable. Sir, we share a porous 367 kilometre
border with Myanmar. Although we do not share borders with Bangladesh,
there are reports of illegal migrant entering some of the border areas in our
state. The issue was debated recently in the State Legislative Assembly. Sir, we
need a firm and consistent approach in dealing with illegal influx of foreigners,
particularly from some of our neighbouring countries. In this context, I have
recently requested you and the Hon'ble Union Home Minister to fence the
border with Myanmar. I am sure, you will appreciate that this is urgently
required to control smuggling of arms, drugs and use of adjoining areas as
safe haven by insurgent groups.
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