'Changing contours of Manipur and way ahead'
CM hums economic development tune
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 2013:
A seminar on the topic "Changing Contours of Manipur and Way Ahead" was organised by Army's Red Shield Division at their Leimakhong auditorium today.
While GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen AK Sahni gave the inaugural address, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi presented the key-note address. In his address, O Ibobi reminded that different communities have been living peacefully in Manipur since time immemorial.
Successive Governments which ruled the State since India achieved independence have been undertaking different development policies and programmes, and as a result the State's economic condition has been improving steadily.
Yet, Manipur has been facing many challenges and these challenges have opened great opportunities.
"Let's capitalise on these opportunities and write a history of success collectively in the field of international trade, sports, tourism, education, art and culture etc," exhorted the Chief Minister.
At present, the Government's focus is on improving basic infrastructure like power and connectivity.
Different measures and policies are being taken up in both the valley and hills of Manipur so that people can reap the fruits of infrastructure and human resource development together with good governance.
In spite of these massive all round economic development programmes, it appears that people have lost the age old virtues of the olden days such as mutual trust, love and concern for others.
The situation demands a serious introspection by one and all.
"To begin with, I on behalf of the State Government, would like to reaffirm our commitment to create and sustain an environment conducive to communal amity among various communities inhabiting Manipur," Ibobi stated.
Historically, Manipur has been a place of very rich cultural heritage and geographically, it strategic location has all the potential of propelling Manipur into the centre of a thriving international trade.
On account of its strategic location, Manipur is rightly called India's gateway to South East Asia or Nongpok Thong Hangba in local parlance.
Stating that an integrated check post is being developed at the border town of Manipur together with other facilities, Ibobi claimed that international flight service would start operating from Imphal airport shortly.
Even though peace is an essential prerequisite for development, no Government cannot keep waiting for a peaceful environment to initiate and push forward the development process.
To restore peace and bring development simultaneously, security forces specially Army, Assam Rifles, central paramilitary forces and State forces have been playing key roles.
Ibobi also appealed to civil society representatives, academicians, scholars and media persons to provide leadership and lead the mass in right direction.
He said that his Government would always welcome all suggestions and constructive criticisms.
The first technical session was chaired by Chief Justice (retd) WA Shishak during which Prof Ch Priyoranjan presented a paper on 'Emerging Geo-Political Dynamics and Trans-Border Issues'.
Prof W Nabakumar presented a paper on 'Ethnic and Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Relevance of Ideology' .
Prof Amar Yumnam spoke on 'Economic Issues, Property Rights and Emerging Opportunities while Prof Salam Irene elaborated on the Role of Youth, Women in Peace Process.
In the second session, Additional Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga presented a paper on 'Challenges of Political Resolution and Good Governance�Way Ahead' as Prof L Sadananda spoke on the topic 'Narrowing Ethnic Divide and Community based Resolution.
DGP Y Joykumar dealt on 'Security forces, perspectives, dynamics of SoO and TNO camps' whereas Chief Secretary DS Poonia presented a paper on 'Conflict resolution and way forward' .
The seminar concluded with the vote of thanks given by 57th Mountain Division GOC KK Sinha.
Comment
