| Road to Thailand
After the opening of an air route to Bangkok from Guwahati, the focus now shifts to the proposed Thailand-Myanmar-India highway. If it becomes a reality, another dream would have come true. In all probability, it may also turn the economic tide in favor of Manipur and other places along it. We only hope it does not fritter away just as the Prime Minister, Atal Vehari Vajpayee’s six-lane super highways meant to connect the country’s extreme corners in all the four directions.
It may be recalled the promise was even modified and Imphal, not Silchar as in the original plan, was to be the culmination point of one of the highways. But alas, the generous extension notwithstanding, the promise fell through because of many practical problems, most notably the lack of finance. It seems, as was pointed out in national dailies, the Prime Minister, had assumed the corporate sector would readily pour in money, for in the long run they would
be one of the biggest beneficiaries, as the highways would accelerate the further integration and consolidation of the Indian market. Nothing like that happened.
However, since this new international highway project involves the will of three nations, and since there is a perceptible, shared need in these nations to integrate the markets in this sector of the globe, the optimism that the highway dream will be realized, is well placed. Again, since this highway is intended to pass through Manipur, all of us in this state should be excited about it. If not for anything else, at least for the novelty of the idea.
We for one are elated for much more than just the promise of a change. We see it as a great opportunity with the capability of augmenting, altering and revolutionizing our whole orientation – our destiny. An ancient trade and migration route, if the plan is carried forward to its logical end, is about to be given modern sanction and a face-lift. Mark our words, this highway is important. Our leaders must do all they can to help pave the way for a smooth passage of the project. This is especially in view of other lobbies which want the highway to be diverted from its present course through Manipur to pass through their own areas.
One of these want the highway to avoid the difficult terrains of Myanmar’s upper Sagaing Division and India’s Northeast, and instead cut through the less rugged Arakan state and then through the plains of Bangladesh to finally enter India in West Bengal. If Bangladesh is not to be in the plan just as yet, then also the indication is there are other lobbies that want the entry into India at some point adjacent to the Arakans.
There is an alternative scenario, which we are sure is also of interest to the Tripura lobby. According to a recent news item, Tripura is lobbying in New Delhi to have the state included in the highway plan. While we have no objections to Tripura wanting a share of this seemingly bountiful cake, it is our leaders’ responsibility to make sure that anything conceded is not at the cost of Manipur. They must do their homework well to be able to convince all why the highway must touch the existing and undoubtedly ancient route through Moreh, Mandalay and beyond. A route that both invading (or liberating) armies, including the Japanese and the INA, as well as traders and merchants, preferred to all others. History’s logic must not be allowed to be reversed.
(Courtesy: The
Imphal Free Press)
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