Minister Biren inspects canal work, slams politicians
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27 2011: Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Minister Nongthonbam Biren and IFCD officials were today accorded a warm welcome for early completion of the canal constructed on the Sekmai river at Awang Leikinthabi area.

Visibly satisfied that the canal work has been completed without any delay, the Minister said the canal will provide irrigation facility to over 3000 paris of paddy field in the area.

Sharing his views on the prevailing situation arising out of the ongoing blockade of national highways, Biren reminded that Manipur is not a domain of a particular community but belongs to all the people living for ages in the State.

Expressing concern that some organisations are demanding bifurcation of the land based on ethnic dominion and number of population of a particular community/tribe, he called upon all concerned to shed off the concept that Manipur belong to any particular community or group of people.

it should be understood that there is a Government representing the people and have been deservedly bestowed with the administrative power for the welfare of all the communities settled here, the Minister pointed out and suggested that the people exercise their franchise right to elect such an individual who would work for the overall development of Manipur rather than connive with groups having vested interest.

N Biren with IFCD officials inspecting the Sekmai river canal

Without taking names, he contended that some political leaders have been plotting to disintegrate Manipur and blamed presence of such elements for the State continuously facing one problem after the other.

On the present crisis of shortages of fuel and other essential commodities, he conceded that stock position of petrol is very low but will improve once the convoy of vehicles currently stranded at Awang Khul on the Imphal-Jiribam route reach the State capital.

Confiding that there should be no dount with regard to stock position of rice for there is sufficient stock of the staple food item, he also alleged hoarding by traders for the shortage of some other essential commodities.

Pointing out that for the land-locked State like Manipur agriculture is the only source of economy and self sustenance, Biren stressed on the need for maximising irrigation networks.

IFC Department Chief Engineer Th Indrakumar, who also accompanied the Minister, said the Awang Leikinthabi canal is a reconstructed facility for irrigation as the kutcha/temporary canal not only got damaged but was incompatible to meet the growing demand of the farmers.

He also mooted that construction of a mini dam on the Sekmai river is inevitable for improving the irrigation facility and need of the farmers.

Among others Nilakuthi Gram Panchayat pradhan S Madhumangol and Member Ph Priyokumar were also present during the inspection visit.