Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04:
In an apparent bid to soothe the frayed nerves of the people of Jiribam, Chief Minister O Ibobi today assured that the sub-division along with Sadar Hills will be upgraded to the status of revenue districts in good time.
Addressing a gathering at the one day Congress workers' conference at Keibul Lamjao today, the Chief Minister said that the Cabinet has decided to upgrade Jiribam to a revenue district in the back drop of the fact that a rail head will soon adorn the sub-division.
Moreover the decision to upgrade Jiri to a revenue district was taken keeping in mind the administrative inconveniences presently being felt.
Jiribam is a sub-division in Imphal East district.
The Delimitation Commission of India has also given its nod to upgrade Jiri to a revenue district.
The Chief Minister claimed that the Sadar Hills issue has nothing to do with the delay in announcing Jiribam as a revenue district and added that though previous Governments had agreed to upgrade Sadar Hills to a revenue district, an announcement to this effect has been kept on hold as the matter is sensitive and needs minute study.
Sadar Hills is home to many communities and is made up of three sub-divisions, said the Chief Minister and added that upgradation of Sadar Hills and Jiribam to full fledged revenue districts will be announced at a convenient time.
On the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Chief Minister urged the people not to take the commitment of the Prime Minister lightly.
The Chief Minister said that the Centre is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the country as well as respecting human rights.
Therefore there is the suggestion that some provisions of the said Act should be modified, said the Chief Minister and urged the people to have faith in the assurance of Dr Manmohan Singh given during his one day visit to Manipur and to be patient.
Stating that there is no hurdle in making Meitei Mayek the official language of the State, the Chief Minister however cautioned the Mayek proponents against taking any steps to impose the same on other communities.
The recent incidents at Churachandpur should serve as a reminder to keep the interest of all communities in mind, he suggested.
Reacting to the derisive comment passed by former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam that the developmental projects promised by the Prime Minister were funds meant for election, the Chief Minister said such irresponsible comment is unbecoming of a political leader.
The public should not be taken in by such irrational talks, he observed.
MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam, vice president T Mangibabu and general secretary (Admn) Bidyapati Senjam were also present at the function.