Moreh meet deliberates free movement

Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, Nov 3: Inconveniences caused by Assam Rifles to the public at their Khudengthabi check-post along Imphal-Moreh highway were highlighted at a meeting convened by the Tengnoupal Deputy Commissioner.
The meeting held on the theme ‘Economic Development: Free Movement of People and Commodities’ at the conference hall of Hill Tribal Council was moderated by TA & Hills Minister Letpao Haokip.
The meeting was participated by Tengnoupal DC Ranjan Yumnam, Teng-noupal SP B Golianmang, Customs Preventive Force Moreh SP SK Gangte, Additional SP (Ops) Premjit Yumnam, DFO Tengnoupal Jeeceelee, representatives of different Moreh-based trade organisations, civil society organisations and transport organisations.
One Major Aman represented the Assam Rifles posed at Tengnoupal and Moreh.
Many who spoke at the meeting highlighted the inconveniences and alleged harassment meted out to the public by 20 Assam Rifles stationed at Khudengthabi.
On account of insufficient manpower, AR takes a long time in checking vehicles at the Khudengthabi check-post, they pointed out before expressing keen desire to raise the number of vehicle checking sheds.
They also expressed desire for Assam Rifles to designate separate spots/sheds for checking passenger vehicles, goods carriers and private vehicles.
The speakers drew attention of the authorities con- cerned towards ensuring hurdle-free movement of goods carriers on Imphal-Moreh highway.
Pointing out that there are too many check-posts on the highway, they suggested the idea of closing all check-points except two, one for vehicles coming from Imphal and the other for vehicles coming from Moreh.    
Tengnoupal SP B Golianmang said that the inconveniences faced by the public, particularly traders would be reduced considerably if the restrictions imposed by the State Government on cotton textile products, electronic items and FMR (free movement regime) are lifted.
Pointing out that the border trade has been going quite smoothly in Mizoram, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce said that traders have been facing many difficulties in Manipur on account of unwanted or unfavourable roles of Assam Rifles. If the unfavourable atmosphere persists longer, the bulk of the Indo-Myanmar trade may shift to Mizoram sooner rather than later, they cautioned.
As movement/transportation of goods are prevented even after paying GST, Moreh town is just like outside India, they said.
Pointing out that neighbouring countries of Myanmar like China and Thailand have resumed border trades on full scale, they stressed the need to resume Indo-Myanmar border trade through Moreh in full swing at the earliest.
There is a huge gap in the prices of Dimapur sand and Moreh sand, some other speakers said before urging the authorities to allow transportation of sand from Moreh.
Major Aman said that he would convey the complaints and wishes of the public to the higher authority of Assam Rifles and come back with a reply.
Noting that many drains of Moreh town have disappeared due to encroachment, Letpao Haokip said that the encroachers would be evicted after consultation with CSOs.
Appealing to all the non-local people staying at Moreh to ensure that they possess valid ILP cards, he  warned that if any one is found without valid ILP cards during verification, no ILP cards would be issued in their names.
He also sought support from CSOs based at Moreh to the Government’s efforts to fence the Indo-Myanmar border.