There is only Visit East policy, where several central ministers land for optics. Money for development projects has not been spent, says Mukul Sangma
The demand for zero tariff on import duty from the country of origin on trade with Myanmar was one of the prominent suggestions that came up during a manifesto consultation that the Congress party held at Manipur border outpost town Moreh, which lies at the Indo-Myanmar border, on Wednesday.
The town, a key trade outpost between the two countries, has time and again been witness to incursions by the Myanmar army. The delegation, consisted of former Meghalaya chief minister and head of the Congress's Northeast Council, Mukul Sangma and Secretary of Congress's Research Department, Ranajit Mukherjee.
Apart from traders and the Chamber of Commerce, the delegation also met with local traders, leaders, members of the local Tamil Sangam and student union bodies. Several traders rued the 40 per cent customs tax that they have to pay, is significantly higher than what their counterparts from Myanmar have to shell out. Suggestions for better facilities at the Integrated Check Post and better highways were also made.
Sangma said that the ruling BJP government's Act East policy has not percolated to real development. "They said that the Look East policy will be turned to Act East policy. But in reality, there is only Visit East policy, where several central ministers land for optics. The money for proposed development projects has not been spent," said Sangma.
The delegation's consultations is part of the Congress's countrywide manifesto outreach attempt where they are sending leaders to speak to several stakeholders on key issues that can be taken up in the party's manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In all, about 150-160 consultations will be made, and meetings have taken place in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Shimla and Visakhapatnam.
In the Northeast, deliberations have taken place in Imphal, Guwahati and Moreh till now. Meetings in Arunachal Pradesh are in the pipeline.
"The security apparatus is focussed on insurgencies within the borders, while incursions by the Myanmar army are never dealt with the seriously," said Mukherjee.
In May this year, the Myanmar army entered Indian territory and pitched a new pillar (no. 82) at N Satsang village in Tengnoupal. Incursions took place at H Lhangcham village, too, which is located close to Moreh. Locals complained to the Congress delegation that the Border Council Committee did not have any representation from locals. Locals were also miffed that traders from outside the region are given preference.
"Our consultations are taking the party's unit to the last frontier, so that people know that we are listening, unlike the BJP whose outreach is limited to the capital cities," said Mukherjee.
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 "Former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma (C) and Congress leader Ranajit Mukherjee (first from left)")
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