Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17:
Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya has stated that the demand for creation of �Greater Nagaland is not just impossible, it cannot happen at all�.
Addressing a function held at Kuki Inn here today in connection with observance of 37th World Telecommunication Day, 2005, Dr Meinya said that the stand of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre is very clear on the issue of integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit.
As such the demand of the NSCN (IM) which is carrying on a peace talk with the Centre is not just impossible, but it cannot happen at all.
The function was organised by Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), Imphal Centre and was sponsored by BSNL, Manipur.
Referring to a statement reportedly made by another State MP Mani Charenamei on the floor of the Parliament endorsing Naga integration, Dr Meinya, who was the chief guest of the function, said the people need not panic on this count, as the UPA Government has an unequivocal stand on the issue.
Dr Meinya further appealed to the people to stay calm and face any challenges to the integrity of Manipur without resorting to violence and anger.
Speaking on the relevance of observing the Information Day, the Lok Sabha MP said the world is today a global village with development in science and information technology.
Stressing on the need to learn computer and other information technology to keep pace with the changing world, Dr Meinya noted that it was heartening the Ministers and MLAs of the State including the Chief Minister are being given computer training.
The MP also assured all possible financial assistance from his side for development of IETE Imphal centre.
In his presidential address, General Manager of BSNL Manipur M Haridasan said efforts are being made to extend WLL Phone services to all the remote and interior villages in the State before the end of this year.
Informing that around 20,000 mobile phone connections have been provided so far, Haridasan further said efforts are also being made earnestly to improve the service condition and increase number of Mobile phone connections to 60,000 to meet the demand of the people within August.
Henceforth, only pre-paid mobile phones would be provided to the people.
But it would have the facility for General Packaging Radio Service (GPRS) so that internet connection may be made.
By July, Broadband service would also be provided at Imphal, he disclosed.
However, he went on to say that BSNL has been suffering a loss of around Rs 10 crores every year in providing telephone service to the people of Manipur as the subscriber do not pay off their pending bills.
Scientific Officer of Science and Technology Department UC Laishram, JTO, BSNL KT Mate and JTO W Dinesh read out the message given by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General Joshio Utsumi on the occasion of Telecommunication Day in English and Manipur one after another.