Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05:
Announcing numerous welfare packages and assuring infrastructure development in the Jiribam sub-division Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, in his now familiar remarks, charged underground outfits for derailing people-oriented projects.
Addressing a large gathering that converged to witness inauguration of the newly constructed office building of the Additional Deputy Commissioner at Jiribam today afternoon, the Chief Minister said Manipur being operated by various underground outfits could not keep pace with other States in terms of development.
Presence of such large number of UG group is not only a headache to the Government but the sprouting of several numbers of organisations has further complicated the situation as some organisations due to lack of agenda is perplexing the people.
An emotionally drained Ibobi, referring to the frequent killings that is only aggravating the situation and prevailing law and order uncertainties bursts out that if their is an presumption of lasting peace and tranquility in Manipur by ousting the SPF Government he has no hesitation in giving up Chief Ministership.
On developing the subdivision, he said as the fund crunch faced by the Government had been comparably eased all possible assistance would be extended to Jiribam on priority basis.
The chief guest of inauguration programme also announced earmarking Rs 2 crore for upgrading Jiribam Higher Secondary School to a model institution through infrastructure development and fresh appointment of teaching staffs.
State Government proposal for a 50-bedded hospital with modern equipment has also been approved by the Centre while Union Ministry of Urban Development had released Rs 16 crore for renovation of Jiribam Keithel to a new market complex, claimed the CM.
In order to ease problems related to judicial matters a court of the Additional District Judge will be established soon on return of the judicial officer from training, he declared and informed to the gathering of reopening Jiri sub-jail.
In addition to announcing various other development projects in the sub-division, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio assured that barring State forces no security battalion would be allowed to set up camps in civilian pockets.
Touching on the Meetei Mayek issue he said consensus had to be arrived amongst various communities as introduction Meetei Mayek in haste might lead dissensions in some section of the society.
Acknowledging location inconveniences hampering public travel and transportation of goods, Ibobi said the problem could be eliminated once the Jiribam-Toupul rail line materialise.
Referring to the May 3 attack on CDO of Jiribam Bidyanagar Farm, the Chief Minister asserted that targeting Government officials and putting the public under duress through threat and intimidation is in no way connected to revolutionary movement as support and winning confidence of the people is an essential criteria for any struggle.
Inspite of nearly one and half hour delay in arrival of the Chief Minister and his other ministerial colleagues for the programme the packed to the brim crowd gave a warm welcome to the CM's entourage in the baking heat.
The CM also distributed rice to beneficiaries under the Annapurna scheme while Kustubar Girls' High School students displayed Bharatiyam.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner building construction was started in August, 2003 at an estimated cost of Rs 95.98 lakhs and despite completion deadline for August this year dedication of the construction agency and PWD officials ensured its completion well ahead of time.