Steps underway for return for crisis-scared officers: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 24 2024:
Chief Minister N Biren confided that the state government is in process to facilitate the return of government officers who fled Imphal due to the conflict.
He made the statement during the release ceremony of the wall calendar and Manipur Diary for the year 2025, published by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
The event was held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Tuesday, where the wall calendar and diary of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and National Health Mission (NHM) were also released.
Addressing the gathering, the CM affirmed BJP-led government's commitment to timely initiatives, including the release of calendars and diaries before the Start of a new year.
Commending health and IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, commissioners, and officials of the departments for their efficient and timely execution of work, he urged the public to pray for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, stressing the importance of collective efforts toward development.
Responding to media queries, Biren stated that efforts are underway to resolve the crisis through dialogue through various agencies.
He informed that the government is working to facilitate the return of government officers who had left Imphal, ensuring they can re join their respective offices.
With the conclusion of the Parliament session, Biren expressed hope that the ministry of home affairs would initiate dialogue among MLAs from different communities to seek resolutions through discussion.
Highlighting the recent directive from the High Court of Manipur regarding the investigation into the missing case of Laishram Kamalbabu in Leimakhong army camp, Biren assured that the government would hand over the case to an independent agency if necessary.
He added that a more powerful committee could also be formed, depending on the circumstances, to ensure justice.
Addressing concerns about illegal check posts set up by various groups along the national highways, Biren stated that the government is treading cautiously, given the volatile situation in the state.
However, security forces are actively addressing the issue.
Biren also expressed concern over the issues of illegal poppy cultivation, drug trafficking, and the rising rate of drug abuse in the state.
He appealed for the support and cooperation of civil society organisations (CSOs), local clubs, and the general public, irrespective of community affiliations, to combat these malaises effectively.
Acknowledging the economic challenges induced by the crisis, the CM outlined the government's efforts to improve the socio-eco-nomic landscape through various initiatives.
These include measures in agriculture and horticulture sectors and infrastructure development projects.
Biren highlighted several ongoing and approved projects, such as the Cement Concrete Road for Imphal areas, for which Rs 300 crore has been approved.
Another fund of Rs 315 crore has been sanctioned under the Central Road infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
Additionally, Rs 60 crore has been released for the Imphal River project, and the construction of three bridges along the Imphal-Kangchup road has also been approved.
The CM further announced plans for developing water sports and adventure infrastructure in Loktak Lake at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.
He also informed that he had directed deputy commissioners to resume the "Go to Village programme to bring governance closer to the people, aiming to address the needs of residents at the grassroots level.
The event was attended by forest minister Th Biswajit, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, MLAs Sapam Kunjakeswor and Thongam Shanti, commissioner (IPR) M Joy, commissioner Sumant Singh, director (IPR) Dr Th Charanjeet, and officers and staff from the two departments.
Comment
