CM attends Laii Day celebration
Priority placed on interior villages and border areas: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, January 11 2023:
The Government is giving priority to villages in the interiors and border areas of the State, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh while inaugurating the Laii (Vafiimai) Day in Senapati district today.
N Biren Singh attended the opening day of the 2-day celebration (January 12 and 13) at the local ground of Laii village as the chief guest.
The Laii (Vafiimai) Day is being celebrated under the theme "Our Culture.
Our Identity".
Upon his arrival at the venue, the Chief Minister and his entourage were accorded a rousing welcome by the public.
Speaking to the people.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, Senapati is a strategically important district and taking advantage of the National Highway which passes through the district, it can be fully developed.
The Government is trying to create a 'city like atmosphere' in the district in consultation with civil organisations like NPO and student unions, he said.
N Biren Singh highlighted developmental projects undertaken in the district including construction of an Ima Market, stadiums, laying of astro turf for football, development of amusement park, youth centre for skill development etc.
"We are working day and night," the Chief Minister said.
Today, the Government is able to provide potable water to at least 70-80 percent of the households in the district, he said.
He also sought people's support to the 'War on Drugs' campaign and further appreciated the people of the district including the Poumai, Thangal, Mao, Maram and Liangmai for coming out voluntarily and standing against poppy plantation and illegal drug businesses.
Explaining the ills of poppy plantation, the Chief Minister said it is not only the production of drugs like opium that is the problem, but it also destroys forest and environment.
It causes massive deforestation, which is adversely affecting climate, he added.
While urging all to conserve the environment, he also acknowledged and lauded the Naga community for protecting and preserving the jungle cover in their areas.
Speaking about a memorandum he received, N Biren Singh informed that the plan for upgradation of the Laii-Tusom (via Kharasom) road to National Highway was not included in a proposal sent to the Centre earlier.
The Chief Minister said he would look into the demand for the upgradation and also assured to look into the other points included in the memorandum submitted by the villagers.
He also explained the need to visit villages in the interiors of the State and said the Government has to understand the necessities and needs of all the people including those living in the far flung areas.
Highlighting the 'Go to Hills' and 'Go to Village' missions, the Chief Minister said the Government understands the difficulties of people in remote and distant villages.
The Government is giving priority to the villages in the interiors and border areas under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.
The Chief Minister further lauded the people of the village for properly preserving their age-old tradition and culture and called on the people to unite and live together.
People should forgive and forget the past mistakes and move forward unitedly instead, he added.
He also stressed that there are many similarities between the Poumai and the Meitei.
Village chairman Th Kapani, in his welcome address, said the Laii Day is celebrated every five years to commemorate the innumerable blessings the people have received since time immemorial.
The celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the village.
PHE Minister L Susindro Meitei, MP Rajya Sabha Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLA L Dikho, DC, SP and various public leaders among others also attended the inaugural function.
Highlights of the day included inauguration of a monolith by the Chief Minister, hoisting of village flag, special and cultural items by the Laii Women Society, Bee Dance by Laii Village men-folk among others.