Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 30:
A 25,000 metric tonne capacity FCS godown, the 46th food storage centre under the Department in the State, was inaugurated by Chief Minister O Ibobi today at Saitu Gamphajol.
Speaking at the function, the Chief Minister said that that declaration of June 18 as State Integrity/Holiday and subsequent upheaval under the banner of ANSAM is a State issue and added that talks to sort out differences on the matter should be held within the State.
On his impending visit to New Delhi Ibobi clarified that his visit to new Delhi is not related to talks with ANSAM representatives as presumed and explained that he is scheduled to attend a meeting on National Integration in which the Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil would also take part.
Even if negotiations are proposed and such intimations accepted the talks venue will have to be at Manipur, he affirmed while maintaining that he has no hesitation on thrashing things out �even at this very moment� as there is no necessity of discussing an internal matter beyond the State.
Regarding agitation launched by teachers to protest ban on salary withdrawal, he said with the exception of Imphal east and West districts salaries of teachers in the remaining districts have been released as the verification processes had been completed.
Similar process for the capital districts would be completed at the earliest and the impasse would be solved, he confided.
Earlier, speaking as chief guest of the godown inauguration programme, Ibobi referring to the initiatives of Saitu AC legislator Ngamthang Haokip, who is also the FCS/Forests and Environment Minister, in materialising the food storage centre expressed confidence that the FCS centre would be able to mitigate food grain shortage problem of Gamnom Sapermeina sub-divisional people to a large extent.
Enthralled by a Nepali dance item presented by young Nepali girls, Ibobi acclaimed that manipur has no room for discrimination on community or tribal line as the State itself is an abode for sustenance of kukis, nagas, meiteis, Meitei Pangals and the Nepalis as well.
Emphasising on peaceful co-existence of various communities to usher an era of prosperity, he said the cent per cent Central Government funded �Eklavya Model Residential School� currently under constructed at Gamnom Sapermeina will be a boon to parents and students alike who could not afford to pursue quality education outside the State once the educational institute becomes functional.
In his presidential address, Ngamthang haokip thanking the Chief Minister for dedicating the food storage to the people said the gesture reflects the CM�s commitment to address problems besetting Sadar Hills.
The godown inauguration is the most momentous occasion for the people of Saitu-Gamphajol constituency, Ngamthang exclaimed while announcing Govt plan to locate FCS godowns at every district and sub-division headquarters.
Presenting the welcome address, FCS Commissioner Kh Dinamani said the 25,000 metric tonne capacity godown is the 46th food storage centre under the Department.
Construction activities to provide similar facilities at Moreh and lamlai are underway under the pDS , he added.