BJP MLA of Lamshang Assembly Constituency, Sorokhaibam Rajen, has welcomed the Manipur High Court’s directive to conduct Panchayati elections within six months, stating that it will give people the opportunity to elect leaders who can sincerely work for public welfare.
He was speaking to reporters during a tree plantation drive held at khas land in Luker village under Lamshang Assembly Constituency. The programme was jointly organised by the Village Authority of Luker and Leitong at Leitong Community Hall.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Rajen explained that under the existing Act, nominees of the Administrative Committee are appointed every six months. With the latest High Court order, he said, nominees appointed by the BJP-led government will now be replaced by elected members, ensuring greater accountability and representation.
The legislator further highlighted that for the past six months, developmental works in the five Gram Panchayats under Lamshang Assembly Constituency had been delayed due to the absence of elected representatives. He expressed hope that with the forthcoming Panchayat elections, newly elected members would resume developmental works and serve the people effectively.
Rajen also called upon the citizens to maintain unity and extend support to collective leadership in order to overcome challenges and work towards progress.
As part of the tree plantation drive, several saplings were planted across the khas land in Luker and Leitong villages to promote environmental conservation and strengthen community bonds.
Meanwhile, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Central Forest Department, Manipur, Vikram Nadhe, who also attended the programme, stated that Manipur holds a significant position in the country for bamboo growth as well as in rainfall distribution patterns. Stressing the importance of preserving the state’s biodiversity, he noted that Manipur’s rich ecological resources distinguish it from other states, but warned that unchecked exploitation and mismanagement pose serious threats.
Nadhe pointed out that local communities have traditionally preserved sacred groves, which serve as natural sanctuaries, and said this cultural practice should be reinforced to maintain ecological balance. He further emphasised the need for long-term measures such as forest protection and plantation of bamboo species to conserve water sources and ensure sustainable livelihoods.