'Mothers' urged to help end insurgency
Let's jointly pressurise centre for full withdrawal of AFSPA:: CM N Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 04 2022:
The withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is closely related with the onset of peace.
The Act was recently withdrawn from areas under nine police stations of the state owing to the absence of bandh, blockade, crime, communal conflict, etc.
Thus, we should all work together to exert pressure on the centre for complete scrapping of the Act from the state, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has urged.
CM Biren and his council of ministers along with BJP MLAs were felicitated by Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham and Saktam Kanba Lup at iconic Ima Keithel here on Monday.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, CM N Biren credited BJP's victory in the recent polls to the trust reposed by people.
He said that the much-hated AFSPA has been repealed from areas under 9 Police stations without being compelled by any violent demonstrations.
Previously, the mothers of the state along and Irom Chanu Sharmila launched a protracted protest for the withdrawal of the Act, but did not receive any positive response.
He then urged for concerted efforts in restoring peace in the state including providing a political solution for insurgents.
If both the government and the people are able to work together in ushering peace in the state, AFSPA could be completely lifted from the state soon.
Further urging the vendors of Khwairamband market to relay their issues, if any, to the ministers and MLAs; Biren appealed to the mothers to lead the road to peace and help in coming up with a political solution to aid the insurgents give up arms and lead normal lives again, thereby restoring peace in the state.
The CM then informed that a health centre would be opened on the upper floor of the market complex, which will be manned by a senior nurse at all times and a doctor once a week.
Meanwhile, talks have been initiated with the Director and Ministry concerned to control the prices of yarns for handloom purposes in the market.
Additionally, a yarn-only shop would be opened, which would provide the weaving material that have been subsidised by about 20 percent.
Traders should refrain from hiking the prices of items, he said, while urging all concerned to stop being self-interested and instead work towards cooperation and joint service of the people.
Commenting on the presence of roadside/street vendors, Biren remarked that this is "uglifying" the market.
As such, the roadside/street vendors present around the three markets will be provided slots at the temporary market, Lamphel market and the market currently being constructed at the site of erstwhile Tombisana High School, Old Assembly Road.
If the vendors continued to sit on the roadsides even after this, the government will no longer turn a blind eye.
Additionally, illegal parking along the roads will no longer be allowed, he said and appealed to people to help keep the market area clean.
CM N Biren then said that the state government will work hard to provide a source of livelihood to each household.
For this, a survey of the living standard of all households in the state will be conducted and completed within 100 days.
The eastern gate of Kangla will also be constructed within 100 days, he added.
Presided over by Thingujam Kunjolata, the facilitation function was attended by Forest minister Th Biswajit; Education and MAHUD minister, Y Khemchand; Works minister Govindas Konthoujam and BJP MLAs as guests of honour.