Stable law and order vital for state's advancement
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: December 21, 2022 -

IN-spite of the state's limited sources of revenue generation, there is no doubt that the government under chief minister N Biren Singh is determined to accelerate the pace of infrastructure development and prove to the world that Manipur is no more a hostile region which many were of the view few years back.

On Monday, the chief minister inaugurated and announced a slew of developmental projects in Tamenglong district during the closing function of the 17th State Level Tamenglong Orange Festival at Apollo Ground in Tamenglong town, thereby underscoring that the government is eager to capitalise on the return of peace and tranquillity to put the state on the path of development.

With Tamenglong district blessed with vast natural resources as well as various sites and locations enticing enough to draw both domestic and international tourists, especially adventure enthusiasts, completion of projects such as
Development and Promotion of Eco-tourism Centres at Zeilad Lake and Tharon Cave under Hill Area Development Programme (HADP);
establishment of Cold Storage Chain in Tamenglong town under HADP;
construction of Water Supply Scheme at Tamah, Tamei under HADP;
and Indoor Stadium cum Multipurpose Hall in Tamenglong town
are certain to inspire the denizens to believe that better days are ahead.

Thanks to improvement in the law and order situation in the state, there is notable eagerness among the masses, including those employed in both organised and unorganised sectors to spend some quality time with their loved ones which in turn is helping in the development of the tourism sector.

The fact that conduct of some major non-religious events are fully funded by the government testifies that successive regimes had been according importance towards promotion of the tourism as it is one of the few sectors left that could help the state generate healthy income.

Some years back participation of people in major state-funded events like the Shirui, Manipur Sangai, Orange and Barak festivals used to be either limited to the local population or the government representatives due to safety concerns for the public were apprehensive that unwanted incidents might happen at the event venues or waylaid, abused, thrashed and robbed by armed hoodlums while travelling.

However, such preconceived notion of encountering ugly experience has been dissipating with each passing day as is evident from the presence of people from across the state at government-sponsored tourism promotional events or food festivals organised by local organisations and individuals this year.

Abatement of the Covid-19 pandemic after over two years of gloom might be another factor for the increased footfall in these festivals but there is no doubt that the overall improvement in the law and order situation is the primary reason for the public not brooding over taking time out from the hectic schedules and spending some of their hard earned money.

With the Union government leaders too pitching for development of requisite infrastructure in the northeast region and consistently assuring that provision of financial support wouldn't be an issue it could be safely stated if the work agencies execute on-going and upcoming projects then Manipur will literally sprint towards the goal of development.