Imphal, August 28: Expressing grave concern at the prevailing tense situation in the State due to ongoing public agitation demanding complete withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Manipur recently appointed Information and Public Relation Minister Gaikhangam stressed that need of the hour is to strengthen emotional integration of the people.

Observing that the State public are currently besieged between strain in hill and valley people bond and the prevailing law and order situation, he said misconception of any threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur should be removed from the minds of the people.

While there is no such threat to the geographical status of Manipur the assumption that tranquility is gradually returning back in the State should viewed with caution as the present calm is still shrouded in uncertainty on what would happen within moments, he observed.

Elaborating on the issue, Gaikhangam stated that Manipur, especially the capital districts are still gripped with tension as agitation related incidents might occur at any moment.

The scrap AFPSA agitation has continued for a long time and has severely narrowed down the income generation prospect of the people, especially the daily wage earners, lamented the former Works Minister.

Interacting with editors of State dailies at his New Secretariat office chamber today, Gaikhangam urged the media houses and personnel to contribute their mite in restoring normalcy in the State.

Without the cooperation of the public the Government alone could not solve problems afflicting the Manipuri society and as such media-personnel need to chip in with vital suggestion to promote peace by assisting the administration through dissemination of vital information, he maintained.

Asserting that for every beginning there is a certain end, the Minister highlighted that people of Manipur possess a distinct quality of resolving any problem through consultation with all concerned.

To suggestions by the editor delegates for improvement of function and facilities of Department of Information and Public Relation (DIPR), the Minister assured that all possible steps would be taken to upgrade DIPR into a major department.

Maximum attention will be given to convey messages of the Government to the public with timely release of statements through the DIPR so as to broaden information base with active involvement of the media, he added.

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