A lesser known route in Manipur’s Churachandpur district bordering Myanmar’s Chin state will be developed as the second corridor to South East Asian countries in the light of implementation of India’s Act East Policy.
The route called Churachandpur-Behiang route via Singhat hill town covering around 75 km from Churachandpur district headquarters which is located around 62 km south of Imphal.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh made a statement in this regard while addressing the gathering at a function of Zou Gal Centenary Commemoration, 2017 during his maiden visit to the border village Behiang, about 137 km south of Imphal on Tuesday.
Biren said the government is planning to set up a Trade Centre at Behiang in order to boost border trade like that of Moreh which is popularly known as India’s gateway to South Asian countries.
To develop the trade centre, he said there is need to improve road connectivity, adding that he had requested the Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to upgrade the 25 km stretch in Singhat-Behiang section of Churachandpur-Behiang road to a national highway.
Singhat MLA Ginsuanhau who is also the chairman of Manipur Renewable Energy Development Authority and Chairman Sesei Zou of Chandel Autonomous District Council were the functional president and guest of honour of the Commemoration function respectively.
Earlier soon after his arrival in a helicopter at Tonjang village at around 12.30 pm, Chief Minister Biren also laid the foundation stone for Maharaja Chandrakirti Memorial Park at a protected site under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976, near Behiang village.
Biren lauded the villagers of Behiang for protecting the historical site and assured them that the State Government would do ‘something special’ as a gift for keeping the story of the late king alive. Thousands of people in their traditional attires welcomed the Chief Minister and his entourage to the remote border village with enthusiasm.
Health Minister Minister Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar, Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian, MLAs Dr S Ranjan, L Rameshor, H Dingo, K Robindro, Chief Secretary R R Rashmir, DGP L M Khaute and top civil and police officials accompanied the Chief Minister during his day-long visit. The leaders also promised to upgrade the Singhat Primary Health Centre to the status of a Community Health Centre besides laying foundation stone for setting up of a police station.
