|  Monday, October 28, 2002 |

Forum  E-Mail  Site Search
 
THIS WEEK
  Front Page
  Manipur
  Features
  Opinions
  Profiles
  Editorials
  Interviews
  Potpourri
  Photos
  Books
Links
Forum
 
ARCHIVES
 
MANIPURONLINE
- About Us
- Advertise
- Feedback
- Contact Us
Classifieds
Letters to the Editor
 
TOOLS
Currency Converter
Stock Calculator
National Stock Exchange
Bombay Stock Exchange
xxx
 
Editorials
XX
The Highway Question
Post Piphema, post September 5, 2002, the definition of the two National highways that connect Manipur to the rest of the country have undergone a dramatic change and never before have the two highways captured the attention of the people as currently witnessed. We agree that the present blockade imposed by the UCM on NH-39 to demand adequate protection on the highway is one of the over riding factors for the people to focus their attention on the highways, particularly NH-39, but we may as well ask whether there are any other factors involved. 

Are the two National Highways merely the lifelines of the State or do they connote something deeper? Why is there this apprehension in the minds of some people that the current blockade of NH-39 could lead to misunderstanding between different communities? We may also ask why there was such an uproar against the failure of the Nagaland Government to provide adequate protection along the stretch of NH-39 that passes through Nagaland while we have not been able to provide safety and security to passengers and transporters on NH-53 which passes only through Manipur as well as on the NH-39 stretch between Moreh and Imphal. 

We are no experts on the historical and cultural roles played by the two highways in the days of our forefathers but the time is definitely ripe for all to start asking questions and try to come up with answers along this line.

The importance of the highways to the underground organizations active in Manipur will be clear to many. It is not only a rich source of revenue (taxes imposed on the vehicles and goods) but is also a symbolic sign that their writ runs through the artery that provides the oxygen to the population of the State. But what is the importance of these highways to the people and civil societies, apart from the fact that these two highways are the lifelines of the people? Can the two highways be understood only through the prism of economic activities or should the history, culture and yes politics on the highways be studied to really understand their significance to the people of Manipur? 

During the days of the Maharaj, Manipur had contacts with the outside world through NH-39 and if not for anything else then this should at least give some historical value to this highway. During World War II too, this stretch of road gained immense importance as controlling it meant controlling the flow of men and material. The highways too served the purpose of interaction amongst the different communities residing in Manipur and NH-39 is seen by many not only as the stretch that connects Mao and Imphal and the other valley areas but also as a bond that ties the people of different communities. 

The seminar held at GM Hall on October 19 under the theme "National Highways in Manipur-Opportunities and Challenges," provided some fresh insights when the chairman of the seminar, Prof N Sanajaoba asked the resource persons to speak within the framework of the geographical entity of the North East region and the unity of the people, the collective settlement of different communities on the banks of Imphal river and the subsequent civilization of Manipur. 

For a civilization that is regarded as one of the oldest kingdoms in South East Asia, the role of NH-39 cannot be downplayed or overplayed in shaping the course of Manipur history. The history of Manipur will never be complete if we take away NH-39 for there is that unseen umbilical cord that ties the people of Manipur to NH-39. Herein lies one of the factors for the due importance attached to NH-39.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) 

 Copyright © 2002 ManipurOnline. A Virgo Communications Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED..  | Privacy Policy | Contact Us