District demand under consideration: Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 18 2011: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has reiterated that the Government is considering the demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full fledged district.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the reception function of ADC Members elected unopposed from Senapati and Ukhrul autonomous district councils at District Council Bhavan, Sangakpham here today.

Responding to a query about the SHDDC's demand to officially proclaim creation of Sadar Hills district before the Assembly elections scheduled early next year, Ibobi maintained that a definite date cannot be set as the report of the re-organisation committee is awaited.

To another question on UNC's decision to launch all out agitation in pursuit of their demand for alternative arrangement, the Chief Minister only said, "Let's see when the time comes" .

Meanwhile, the Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundaries would be holding another round of public hearing in the office chamber of the Chief Secretary at the Secretariat (South Block) at 11 am tomorrow.

ADC Members from Ukhrul and Senapati district with State Congress leaders at a reception function held at ADC Bhawan

It is expected that six different organisations would be giving their opinions and suggestions tomorrow on the issue of Sadar Hills district demand.

According to a notification issued by Commissioner (Revenue) S Sunderlal, the six organisations/bodies confirmed to take part in tomorrow's public hearing are Bungpi Area Chiefs' Association, chief/chairmen of Kangchup SDC Circle, Kuki Inpi Manipur, Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang, representatives of 23-Nongmaiching district council constituency and Southern Senapati Naga village council.

Earlier speaking at the reception function, Ibobi stated there might be certain feelings of dissent against what the Government was doing as there was no local bodies in hill districts for a long time.

Appealing to all ADC employees to retract their decision of launching strike for non-payment of salaries, the Chief Minister stated all these matters can be resolved through negotiation.

He also observed that Manipur is abounded with joint action committees.

The Finance Department is working hard to pay employees' salaries before Ningol Chakkouba and Christmas festivals, he informed.

Promising all possible assistance from the side of the Government to ADCs, Ibobi exhorted the candidates of Chingai and Phaibung MDC constituencies which are going to polls on October 24 to contest the elections in fair and peaceful manner.

MPCC president Gaikhangam also pledged that the Government would extend full support to ADCs towards discharge their duties up to mark.

Before the reception function, the Chief Minister and Sports Minister DD Thaisii inspected a hotel identified for providing accommodation to ADC Members inside Khuman Lampak Sports Complex .