IMPHAL, Oct 25:   The All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has formally addressed the Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, voicing strong objections to the recent allocation of Rs 217.50 crores for road development, which is set to be implemented solely in the valley area of Imphal, excluding the vast hill regions of Manipur. This request was submitted through the Hon’ble Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Government of Manipur.

In their letter, the AMTU criticized the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for what they described as a serious error in issuing an office memo on October 8, 2024. The memo, authored by Shri Sandeep Kumar Singh, Under Secretary to the Government of India, sanctioned funds for the construction and development of 57 roads under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) exclusively for the valley, leaving the hill areas unattended.

The AMTU emphasized that the Government of India should have carefully reviewed the concept note from the Secretary of the Public Works Department, which proposed 111 CRIF projects totaling Rs 399.36 crores. However, the approval of only 57 projects raises concerns about bias and a valley-focused approach to development.

The letter also pointed out that major educational institutions, including Central Agricultural University (CAU), Manipur University (MU), National Institute of Technology (NIT), and others, are concentrated in the Imphal valley, as are significant sports infrastructures and facilities.

In light of this, the AMTU has requested the Union Minister to amend the current allocation, advocating for a new memo that ensures a fair, balanced, and inclusive distribution of resources for the entire state of Manipur. The union expressed appreciation for any consideration given to their concerns, stressing the importance of equitable development throughout the state.

The allocation has raised significant concerns among the AMTU members, who perceive it as an oversight that could hinder equitable development across the state. In their letter to the Union Minister, the AMTU emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes all regions of Manipur, particularly the hill areas which are rich in cultural heritage and resources.