Imphal, December 21 2010: A newly constructed community hall was inaugurated today by TD Minister DD Thaisii and dedicated to the people of Kholep village under Sapermeina sub-division.

The community hall was constructed and finished ahead of the Christmas festival with MLA Local Area Development Fund of Saitu A/C MLA Haokholet Kipgen.

Kholep village was earlier located on the hills but the village has shifted down and is now located at the foot of Koubru Hills near NH 39 .

The village has now 400 people.

Keeping in view the increased population, the community hall was constructed.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Kholep village chief Khaithang Haokip said that the village did not receive any Government assistance in the last seven years.

Except for two Anganwadi centres set up under Social Welfare Department and two ASHA activists trained under National Rural Health Mission, the village has not seen any Government sponsored development programme or welfare scheme.

None of the villagers has benefited from the Government's housing scheme.

For drinking water, gorges and rivulets are the main sources.

No health care facility is available in the village, Khaithang Haokip said.

The community hall was constructed by the Saitu AC MLA from his local area development fund ahead of Christmas festival on the request of villagers.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function, TD Minister DD Thaisii said that politics can be a way of development in all aspects of the society.

However, Manipur is lagging behind other States by hundreds of years in terms of development.

There is urgent need to pursue to pursue those advanced States and nations, he asserted.

Saying that Congress party is a big party, DD Thaisii claimed that the Government led by Congress party remains a popular one.

For politics to be progressive, there must be competent and qualified leaders.

Qualified leaders are those who can share people's woes as well as aspirations, and those who have genuine desire to lead people forward, DD Thaisii explained while calling upon the people to support those genuine leaders.

In his address, MLA Haokholet Kipgen while rejoicing at the construction of a community hall at Kholep village, said that Haokips and Kipgens are related by kinship.

Whatever distrust or conflict that existed at one time has disappeared now, he said.

He also sought suggestion from the people so that he tread on the right path.

The inaugural function presided by Sadar Hills ADC Member Lunthang Haokip was also attended by chiefs of 24 villages located in Saitu-Gamphazol area.

Later, DD Thaisii distributed red blankets to the 24 village chiefs.

Further extending Christmas greetings, DD Thaisii donated Rs 10,000 to Kholep village and the amount was handed over to the village pastor.

He also donated five footballs, five volleyballs and five nets.

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