First time voters in Manipur want an end to blockade politics

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Imphal: Fist time voters in poll-bound Manipur want an end to the politics of blockades and bandhs and demand better educational and job opportunities in the state.
Every youth that PTI spoke to here wanted blockades to end and peace to return to strife-torn Manipur.

"Since my childhood I have been hearing and reading about political unrests, blockades and shutdowns. I think the time has come when we should move forward towards creation of more jobs and educational opportunities leaving behind this era of bloodshed," said a student who did not wished to be named.

"A single blockade cripples our daily life as prices soar and we hardly get fuel to run our scooters. I think we need peace and prosperity in our state. We don't want blockades and unrest," another student said.

The indefinite economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1, 2016 in Manipur against the state government's decision for creation of seven new districts. It has severely hit supply of essential commodities including fuel.

Better educational and employment opportunities is the other important demand by young voters, many of whom had to move to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata or Bengaluru.

"Most youths leave Manipur after completing their higher secondary or graduation. This is because Manipur has no proper higher educational facilities or job opportunities," said B Sarat, a first time voter.

With unemployment being one of the biggest problems of the north eastern state, most youths want Manipur to be developed as an IT and education hub.

"In Manipur good jobs means either government service or few private jobs where you won't earn more than Rs 7000 to Rs 10000 a month. Had there been BPOs we could have earned more," said Prashant Singh, another first timer.

According to Election Commission there are 45642 voters in the state who are 18-19 years old and would exercise their franchise for the time in the March polls.