Five colleges inaugurated ; SoO pact likely soon: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 23 2019: Altogether five colleges set up by the Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS) Group of Institutions (FGI) were inaugurated by Chief Minister N Biren today.

The five colleges inaugurated today are College of Agriculture, College of Horticulture, College of Agri-Biotechnology, College of Forestry and College of Fishery.

Speaking at the inaugural function held at KVK Hengbung campus, Chief Minister N Biren declared that armed movements fuelled by grievances would be resolved within the term of the incumbent Government.

Underscoring the importance of making Manipur a peaceful State, Biren said, "Armed movements might have their own reasons and we are not saying it is wrong.

That is why, Suspension of Operation pact was signed and dialogue is going on" .

The ongoing dialogue process with the SoO groups would be brought to a conclusion within the next six months or within one year at the most so as to bring peace in the State, Biren stated.

Five colleges inaugurated ; SoO pact likely soon: CM

Appreciating the development works being carried out by KVK Hengbung in a very systematic manner, the Chief Minister assured all possible assistance from the side of the State Government.

Remarking that the campus of KVK Hengbung is splendid, Biren appealed to the local people help further develop the campus.

During the past 30 years, Manipur could not take any forward step in the collective interests of all the communities residing in the State.

"On account of internal squabblings and conflicts, Manipur remained a backward State.

We were worried that the minuscule indigenous population of the State would be overwhelmed and ultimately annihilated by outsiders whose total population is enormous", Biren said.

But today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have granted Inner Line Permit System so that the indigenous people can protect themselves, he continued.

Even though there is public uproar against CAA in different parts of the country, there is no more any violent protest in the North East and this can be attributed to implementation of ILPS in most parts of the region, Biren said.

As a long cherished demand has been fulfilled, it's time for all the people to focus on development of the State, he asserted.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Government has its door always opened to resolve all grievances through dialogue.

A very tense situation prevailed in the State.

It subsided only after the Prime Minister and the Union Minister categorically assured that the final Naga solution would not be sealed without first consulting the stake holders of Manipur.

Both the Naga issue as well as the Kuki issue would be resolved very soon through dialogue, he asserted.

The Chief Minister further informed the gathering that Manipur bagged Krishi Karman Award for Best Performing State in overall food grain production for the year 2017-18 .

The award consists of a trophy, citation and cash award of Rs five crore and it would be presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function to be held in Bengaluru, he added.

Biren said that the Government has introduced 'Start-up Manipur' and has been providing soft loans with grants/subsidy to start their own business.

"A new scheme 'Stand-up Manipur' under Start-up Manipur will be launched soon to support the entrepreneurs belonging to weaker sections, SC, ST, OBC, women etc.

We need a vibrant work culture for economic growth and development of the State", he added.

Taking serious note of rampant deforestation in the State, Biren urged farmers to stop jhum cultivation as it will cause natural calamities such as landslides etc.

Biren also informed that five places have been identified for the construction of cold storages in the State.

He mentioned that a cold Storage will also be constructed for Kangpokpi district, if needed.

Kangpokpi DC Lalithambigai K, Kangpokpi SP Hemant Pandey, FEEDS president Haokholet Kipgen, FEEDS Group of Institutions Director Dr HC Bhattacharya, staff and students of FEEDS Group of Institutions and people from surrounding villages attended the function.

Notably, the FGI has evergreen campus with state of the art laboratories, botanical garden, orchards, separate hostels for boys and girls.

It has both smart and virtual classroom system with wi-fi facilities, indoor stadium as well as auditorium for development of extra and co-curricular activities of students.