Ex-cop blames MLAs on Sadar Hills issue
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 12 2011:
IPS (retd) Ngamkhohen Kipgen has cited lack of commitment by the sitting MLAs for Sadar Hills yet to be upgraded to a full fledged district.
Expressing that aspiration of the Sadar Hills people for a full fledged district has not been materialised due to absence of initiative by MLAs concerned, Ngamkhohen stated that the Government alone should not be blamed for MLAs elected from three assembly constituencies of Sadar Hills are equally responsible to ensure that the people's cherished dream is realised.
A fresh entrant to the world of State politics, the former Inspector General of Police said as had been proved by the revival of the Autonomous District Councils in the hill districts there is no reason why the State Govt should oppose upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district.
speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of Seikeng-Lalminlen Memorial Trophy (football) 2011 at Keithelmanbi Military Colony ground today, N Kipgen also noted that for the people of Kangpokpi, Saitu and Saikul ACs upgrading Sadar Hills to a district is not only justifiable but also inevitable to accelerate socio-economic development of the region.
Opining that lack of initiative by the three MLAs on the issue might be to remain in the good book of the SPF Govt, he also expressed confidence that the Govt would approve upgrading Sadar Hills to a full fledged district for such a status would not only strengthen integrity of Manipur but also enhance income generation avenues.
Kipgen also called upon the younger generation to strive for excellence in the field of sports for which he mooted organising sports events at the village level.
The football tournament organised in memory of Seikeng and Lalminlun who were killed during the turbulent movement on the demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a fullfledged district commenced from February 20 with 12 teams taking part in it.
KIM president Chungkam Haokip and special contractor Dilip also attended the closing ceremony as the functional president and guest of honour respectively.
Prior to the attending the closing ceremony, Ngamkhohen Kipgen who will contest the next assembly election from Kangpokpi AC sought the blessing (customary) of the eldest member of the Kipgen clan namely Singkit Kipgen at Tujang village.