IAF to be deployed for poppy destruction : Biren
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 06 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that destruction of poppy plantations using Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers would start after a survey of poppy plantation areas is completed.

In another function held at Top Dusara, Imphal East, N Biren reiterated that the Manipur violence is a war waged against the Indian Union.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a ground breaking function of "Rejuvena- tion of Lamphelpat Water Body to Alleviate Urban Flooding, Providing Sustainable Water Source for Imphal City and Promoting Eco-Tourism" and "Integrated Sewerage System for City of Imphal Phase-II" at Lamphelpat today.

IAF to be deployed for poppy destruction : Biren

Responding to queries raised by media persons by the sideline of the ground breaking ceremony, N Biren said that a survey of the poppy plantation areas is going on.

He said that the State is slowly returning to normalcy with the help of different sections of people and exuded confidence that there will be complete peace and normalcy in the State after sometime.

Talking on the resettlement of the displaced people of Phougakchao Ikhai, Torbung and Sugnu, the Chief Minister said that families whose houses were not burnt or destroyed have started returning to their homes.

To recuperate the losses suffered by the displaced people, the Government would provide a uniform compensation at the rate of Rs two lakh to each family, Biren said.

The Deputy Commissioners concerned have started a survey to ascertain the number of children belonging to the displaced families who are unable to go to schools on account of the violent crisis, he said and added that necessary measures would be initiated soon so that these children can go to schools.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, N Biren said that rejuvenation of Lamphelpat water body is a long cherished dream of all the people of the State.

The project will be taken up under the New Development Bank at a project cost of around Rs 650 crore with project duration of 4 years, he said, adding that heavy machinery required for the project has reached the site.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people of the State, specially of the surrounding areas to cooperate and support the project and help the Government in restoring Lamphelpat to its past glory.

He added that already 443 acres of land have been acquired and the Government is trying to acquire some more from RIMS.

At the ground breaking function of Integrated Sewerage System for City of Imphal Phase-II organized by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), the Chief Minister said that the State had unfortunately faced some disturbances for some three-four months, but with God's grace and support of the public, it is slowly returning to normalcy.

N Biren highlighted the need to take up developmental projects as the State slowly returns to normalcy.

"We have to show that despite having so many difficulties, Manipur has overcome everything", he said asserting the need for everyone including Ministers, MLAs and Government officials to work day and night as a team.

He went on to claim that Khwairamband Keithel as well as the markets of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi have resumed their normal businesses.

He said that the project cost of the Integrated Sewerage System for City of Imphal Phase-II is around Rs 1255 crore.

Biren said that the Government is committed to properly preserving nature and at the same time taking up developmental projects.

Reminding that the project's foundation stone was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said that development of a major water body in Lamphelpat would go a long way in alleviating floods in urban areas including Uripok and Thangmeiband areas.

PHE Minister L Susindro said that the project, under phase-II, will be expanded to more localities and will also include construction of pump houses and laying of pipelines among others.

He further sought cooperation of the people in the implementation of the project.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Institute of Driving Training and Research Centre at Top Dusara, Imphal East, Chief Minister N Biren stated that the present crisis has been already identified to be a war waged against the Indian Union, and so the people should support the steps taken up by the Centre and the State to safeguard the State from all forces trying to disintegrate Manipur.

The Centre and the State Government are taking all responsibilities and they are there to protect the people.

"So, we must also ensure that the people are continuing with their normal lives like students going to their schools and colleges, farmers going to their fields, shops are opened, etc", he added.

Biren said that the people and officials of the State Government have to work doubly harder and pick up the working pace to make up for the lost times.

The State was moving forward and hosting events like the Femina Miss India, international football tournaments, G-20 events and foreign investors were lining up to invest in the State, he added.

On the inauguration of the IDTRC, the Chief Minister said human lives are very precious and that loss of lives due to accidents are very shocking.

The Institute of Driving Training and Research Centre, opened under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, will certainly help minimize the number of accidents in the State, he said.

One major cause for accidents in the State is the lack of technical knowledge of driving among the people driving vehicles, he said, and stressed on the need to follow proper traffic rules and regulations.

He said that the opening of the institute will also help in proper issuance of driving licenses.

Transport Department should also see that the IDTRC takes a major role in authorization of driving licenses, Biren said.

The inaugural function was attended by Ministers Govindas Konthoujam, Awangbou Newmai, L Susindro Meitei, H Dingo, Khashim Vashum, MP Rajya Sabha Leisemba Sanajaoba, MLAs Th Shanti and Sapam Kunjakeshore and Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, among others.