IMPHAL, OCT 18: Even as the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) had threatened to resort to various forms of agitation if the Manipur government does not lift the ban on internet within five days counting from October 18, chief minister N Biren Singh appealed to the people, especially the students and youth, to be patient and “wait for atleast some more days”.
N.Biren Singh said this after chairing a cabinet meeting in Ukhrul today. The cabinet meeting was held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner in the morning before attending a public function at the Mini Secretariat Complex, Ukhrul. His team also attended a reception ceremony at Hundung village later in the day.
During the visit, the chief minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated various projects in the district and handed over projects worth Rs. 64.38 crore to the public of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
Addressing the public function at the DC office complex, Mini Secretariat, Ukhrul district headquarter, the chief minister declared before the gathering that the government will take development of Ukhrul into a summer city as a priority.
Highlighting that with the growing population in Ukhrul, the town is facing land issues while taking up development works, the CM mulled the idea of developing a new Ukhrul township near Sirarokhong and urged the people of Ukhrul to consider it.
Stressing that Ukhrul is an important town after Imphal, he said that Ukhrul should also be a major part of the vision for North East and development programmes meant for Manipur under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh said that the main concern in Ukhrul at present is the water scarcity problem, and further expressed the need to develop water sources for Ukhrul.
The chief minister then declared that Rs 6 crore has been sanctioned for augmentation of water supply of Ukhrul town as immediate relief. Assuring construction of a dam at Shirui at the cost of Rs 180–200 crore to pump water to entire Ukhrul to be taken up as the first priority, he sought support of all including CSOs and MLAs to settle any dispute so that the construction of the dam can be completed without any problems. He said the second priority will be completion of the Imphal-Ukhrul road.
Singh said one should do politics, but it should not be disruptive politics. He elaborated that if the government had not delivered his assurances or commitments announced during his previous visits in 2017- 18, he would not have been able to return today.
The government was chosen by the people, and the government will deliver all their assurances or commitments, he said, adding that there should be no politics in development, he said.
Biren then said, “With the support of the people, we are moving towards peace and development, he said, further seeking support of the people. N Biren Singh also spoke on the relation between the Tangkhuls and the Meiteis and said “we were divided politically for some time but today with the blessings of God, we are today moving along the path of brotherhood”.
Stressing that he will lay the foundation for a Meitei and Tangkhul heritage museum at Hundung, the chief minister said, “Let the new generation of all indigenous people come and live together in peace”. Singh also assured that a nursing college will certainly be set up in Ukhrul soon.
Singh also said that now that Prime Minister Modi had said that the government aims to set up atleast one medical college in each district, he will take up setting up of a medical college in Ukhrul as first priority.
He further appreciated the leaders and village chiefs for their anti-drug campaign in support of the War on Drugs campaign, highlighting that 1.5 lakh youth have been affected by drugs and approved opening of an Rs 5 crore Drug Rehabilitation Centre under the Social Welfare department.
He further sanctioned the construction of a cold storage in the district.
The chief minister said ‘Go to Hills’ was launched to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley so that unity and equal development could be brought in the state.
During its meeting today, the cabinet also approved and handed over an order for setting up of Tolloi Police Station and SDC office at Paoyi village.
On behalf of the Ukhrul and Kamjong district, Ram Muivah, the MLA from UKHRUL in his welcome speech expressed his deep gratitude and thanks for giving so many projects for the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. In his speech, he also requested the chief minister to start or organise the Shirui Festival again since the chief minister is the patron of this “beautiful” festival.
Meanwhile, appointment letters under the die in harness scheme for the Autonomous District Council office were also distributed to 26 individuals by the chief minister.
The projects for which foundations were laid today are construction of Bailey Bridge at Challou River at Poi Village, construction of road from NH-202 to Halang village circular road, improvement of inter village circular road at New Tusom Christian village which will be constructed under PWD.