CM reiterates development of hill areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 09 2013: Chief Minister O Ibobi kick-starting the two-day long Zeme Tribe recognition celebration cum Cultural festival, North East India at Tousem subdivisional headquarters today has reiterated commitment of the State Government to initiate development activities in the hill districts.

The celebration programme was rolled into motion following unveiling of a monolith to commemorate the event by the Chief Minister.

Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function, Chief Minister O Ibobi said the State Govt has installed the ADCs in hill areas as democratic decentralisation process.

He said powers are devolved to the ADCs in areas including DRDA and various other departments.

The Chief Minister further stated that a committee headed by a retired Judge of High Court would oversee development prospect in the hill areas.

Pledging to bring development in Tousem subdivision of Tamenglong district, Ibobi assured setting up of weaving centres for women in the subdivision.

CM O Ibobi and DyCM Gaikhangam at the unveiling ceremony of the commemorative monolith

He further said that the Government would implement Tribal Area Inclusive Projects in 26 tribal blocks of the State which included Tousem.

Various infrastructures like SDO Office, staff quarters, Police Outpost, Barrack, Bank Branch would be provided with the cost of around Rs 10-11 crore.

O Ibobi further said that Rs 2.5 crore project for the construction of water supply scheme in Tousem subdivision under NLCPR is in the pipeline.

Soliciting cooperation from the people to the Government in bringing development in the State, the chief Minister also said that a power station has also been inaugurated for Tousem subdivision.

He also handed over an assistance of Rs 1 lakh to organisers of the programme.

The chief guest also released a book entitled Zeme Cultural Heritage and Customary Laws on the occasion.

CM O Ibobi, who was air-lifted to Tousem headquarters, touched down at the venue at around 9am today.

He was accompanied by Deputy CM and Home Minister Gaikhangam; RD&PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa; and PHE Minister I Hemochandra.

MLAs Janghemlung Panmei and Kikhonbou Newmai; DC (Tamenglong) WC Arthur; SDO (Tousem) Armstrong Panmei and other high ranking civil and police officials also attended the programme.

The two-day long celebration was organised by Zeme Council, North East India under the theme 'Working Together is Success.' Various delegates of the Zeme community from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland participated with vigour and enthusiasm.

The CM and his team headed towards Imphal at around 11.30am today.

Presentation of captivating cultural dance and songs of Zeme tribe, colourful cultural exhibition and a spectacular beauty pageant show are some significant highlights of the celebration programme held about 250 km West from here.

Commencing the cultural programme, Deputy CM and Home Minister Gaikhangam said the day was a historic one.

Once people known by the collective name of Zeliangrong are now distinctly known as Zeme, Liangmei and Rongmei, he said while adding the Zeme tribe has rich cultural heritages.

The Government of India had earlier recognized the Zeme tribe as 'Kachcha Naga." However, the Government later recognized it as "Zeme." The event is being held in connection with the recognition as well as the cultural show of the Zeme tribe inhabiting in the Northeast.

At the opening ceremony, different civil oraganisations submitted memorandums/memoranda to the Chief Minister.

Speaking at the occasion, Francis Ngajokpa called upon the Zeme populace to maintain peaceful coexistence while emphasising that peace and love would bring development in the State.

I Hemochandra conveyed gratification that he was a part of the great celebration at Tousem, which he longed to see long time back.