Dy CM cautions against imminent challenges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 09 2016 :
Stating that Moreh township's strategic location for international trade and commerce has been realised by the whole world, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has called upon all the people of Manipur to be well prepared to face the challenges which would bombard the border town as well as the whole State as and when MNCs and corporate houses step into the State.
Speaking at a gathering at Moreh town parking today, Gaikhangam remarked that Moreh remained quite isolated about five/six decades back but today it has become a focal point of attraction for many MNCs and corporate houses.
Moreh has been already projected as the country's gateway to South East Asia.
"Our ancestors predicted that the eastern door (Nongpok Thong) would be opened one day.
By that time, the meaning why our progenitors called the land a golden land (Sanaleibak) would be known", Gaikhangam asserted.
|
"But we must be always on guard against any form of economic warfare.
We must ensure that our people does not end up being porters while our lands are taken over by corporate houses", he continued.
Land is crucial for any development project.
People should protect land and such a valuable asset must not be given to corporate houses even if they offer tempting prices, Gaikhangam exhorted.
"But this does not mean our people should oppose all development projects.
We must adapt to the impending changes", he stated.
At the moment, people of Manipur have been shopping at Namphalong across the international border although Namphalong market is not very big thereby giving away money and resources to the neighbouring country.
If there is a cross-border trade, there should be certain level of balance of trade.
For Moreh to evolve as a major commercial centre, there must be peace and harmony among different communities living at the border town and this is the basic message of today's gathering, stated the Deputy Chief Min-ister.
Differences in terms of languages and customs should not be a barrier on the path of unity among all communities of the State.
Internal conflicts would only give undue advantage to other people and bandhs/blockades would not bring anything positive.
The gathering was held as a part of the annual event christened 12th Manipur Imagi Yaipha Paojel 2016 and it was jointly organised by the All Community Development Organisation Moreh (ACODOM), Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup Moreh and Minority Women's Development Organisation Moreh.
The event was supported by Meetei Council Moreh, Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Manipuri Muslim Council, Tamil Sangam and Government officials.
ACODOM advisor RK Sanayaima, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, MLAs D Korungthang, RK Anand, Dr Ng Bijoy, Y Surchandra and ADC Moreh Chairman Lukhosei Zou attended the function as presidium members.
Giving key note address of the function, ACODOM president Irengbam Ibobi said that they have been organising the event every new year for the last 11 years and one common message of these events is promotion of peace, unity and harmony among all communities of Moreh.
The function where body-builder Leishangthem Robert was also felicitated featured traditional dance and music programmes .