Pillai gives 'good' grade to GoI-IM talks
Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, March 05 2011:
The Union Home Secretary GK Pillai has described progress of the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) as 'good' .
Speaking to newspersons on the sideline of the Tribal Cultural Exchange Programme here today, he said that NSCN (IM) Chairman Isaac Chisi Swu and General Secretary Th Muivah met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and 'it is understood that the talks are in good progress' .
the Home Secretary also informed that many Central-sponsored development schemes are in the pipeline and there would not be any fund constraint from the Centre.
With Pillai gracing the function as chief guest the second edition of the Tribal Cultural Exchange Programme began with a gala opening ceremony amid presentation of mesmerising cultural items by different tribes of the State at Tangkhul Naga Long ground.
Chief Secretary DS Poonia, Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner N Ashok Kumar, United Naga Council (UNC) president Samson Remai and Kuki Inpi Manipur president Thangkhosei Haokip were also present as president, guests of honour and special guests respectively.
GK Pillai in his speech stated that the world has literally shrunk with the invention of advanced gadgets and technologies like mobile phones and internet.
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Maintaining that education and literacy will make the world a better place to live in, the Home Secretary stressed on the need to inculcate reading habits.
Pillai noted that many youths from the State are working in reputed private companies in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Bangalore.
Apart from enjoying modernity, these youths preserve their culture and identity of their respective communities in these cities, he added.
He further called upon every citizen to harbour love for mankind through culture identity, as love is god, and god is love.
DS Poonia in his speech lauded ATSUM for organising such an event and expressed that such an event bring different tribal communities under one platform and build up closer bond among tribal groups of the State.
He further informed the gathering that one more UBI branch would be set up at mini secretariat complex within March 21 and the mini secretariat complex would be inaugurated by the end of April this year by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Construction of SDO/BDO office and upgradation of 133/11 KV sub-station at Hundung would be completed soon.
He also said that the State Government is willing to extend any financial help for the inter-cultural-activities taken up by ATSUM.
The three-day long programme is being organised by All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) and hosted by Tangkhul Katamnao Long (TKS) and co-sponsored by NEZCC (Dimapur), IGNOU (Manipur Centre), MACS, TRI Imphal, Arts and Culture Department, Government of Manipur.
Cultural troupes representing 32 tribal communities of Manipur are taking part in the event.
Earlier, GK Pillai inaugurated the office of Ukhrul District Teacher Welfare Association at town hall during his visit.
Later in the day, the Union Home Secretary visited Toubul in Bishnupur district for an inspection of the hovercrafts, which were recently procured for anti-insurgency operation in the Loktak Lake.
During the inspection visit GK Pillai also took a ride in one of the amphibian machines into the Loktak Lake for a few minutes.
The Secretary was accompanied by Chief Secretary DS Poonia, Commissioner (Home) Vumlunmang Vualnam and DGP Y Joykumar.
The Home Secretary returned to Tulihal Airport in a helicopter from Ukhrul district headquarters where he addressed a public gathering.