Imphal, November 21: Though the Prime Minister stopped short of announcing an economic package per se, he nevertheless left today with promises of taking up a number of developmental projects in the State at an estimated cost of Rs 2777.68 crores.

Addressing a packed media conference at the conference hall of Raj Bhawan today, the Prime Minister said, "I am not going about selling economic packages or distributing money.

Our concern is accelerating economic growth in the State".

Claiming that the economy of Manipur has suffered greatly due to militancy and violence during the last several years, a statement issued by the PMO listed the development programmes and projects to be taken up at the initiative of the Prime Minister.

Listing the projects under four heads, such as infrastructure, education, employment and LPG outlets, the PMO's statement said that apart from the Jiri-Toupul rail line and the Capitol Project, widening of 16 roads and double laning of the Maram-Paren road will be taken up.

The roads included in the reconstruction plan include the Pallel turning to Sugnu turning, Chandel to Chakpikarong, CCpur to Singhat, Thingkeu to Henglep, Kaiphundai to Tousem, Sagolmang to Saikul, Maram to Purul, Tadubi to Paomata, Awang Kasom to Chingai, Yairipok Chandrakhong to Kasom Khullen, Shangshak to Phungyar, Pallel to Chandel, Humi-Kachai-Thiwa- Ngairi, Leimatak- Henglep, Henglep-CCpur and Bishnupur-Mayang Imphal.

Included in the list are the development of mini-secretaries, residential quarters, internal roads and other amenities of 7 district headquarters (all Hqs excluding Imphal) and the three headquarters of ADCs of Kangpokpi, Moreh and Jiribam.

Development of the Loktak Downstream Project (90 MW), speedy completion of the Khuga and Thoubal irrigation projects under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme with external assistance for expanding irrigation, construction of Dolaithabi Barrage under the same scheme are also listed.

The PMO has also assured that all tribal villages in the State will be electrified in the next four years adding that this will be taken up on a priority basis.

To develop sports, an academy will be set up at Khuman Lampak and a one time grant will be given for maintenance and repairs of the existing facilities at the sports complex.

To generate employment, the Centre will start a Special Employment Generation Programme at concessionary loans of up to Rs 15 thousand for agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, medical clinics, agri-clinics, pharmacies, small scale industries and services.

Manipur will also come under a new initiative taken up by the Centre for improving rural health care.

The statement further said that LPG outlets will be opened at all the sub-divisional headquarters.

Suitable reconstruction of the finances of the State will be considered by the Centre after the recommendations of the 12th Finance Commission.

To control the outbreak of flood, assistance will be considered in the light of the Task Force constituted following the announcement of the PM during his visit to the North East in July this year.

Steps to extend cellular network to the sub-divisional level will be taken up subject to technical feasibility, said the statement adding that survey work for this will be started soon.

Fielding questions from the media, the Prime Minister said that Delhi is sincere in redressing the grievances of the people and added that the Committee formed to review the provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act will submit its report latest by 6 months.

On being questioned why no one from Manipur has been included in the review panel, the Prime Minister replied, "Sanjoy Hazarika who knows the North East is on the panel.

Trust the Committee to do something constructive".

On the December 10 deadline set by the Apunba Lup to revoke the AFSPA, the Prime Minister said that the Lup should not insist on rigid deadlines.

The Act has been there since 1958 and the Review Committee will submit its report within six months at the most, he added.

Stressing that Delhi understands and sympathises with the sentiments of the people of Manipur, the Prime Minister said that a new Act in lieu of AFSPA may be introduced which will not compromise on National security and at the same time does not give sweeping powers to the security force to violate human rights.

"I have come here to know about the problems of Manipur and to promote the cause of peace and development," said the PM in his opening speech at the press conference.

The Prime Minister further said that the Centre is serious about restoring peace and normalcy in the State and to assuage the feelings of the people.

Assuring that Delhi knows and understands the emotional importance of the moment when Kangla was handed over to the State, the PM said that peace is needed for economic development.

"I want to convey through the media that Delhi is sincere about addressing the problems of Manipur and will not hesitate to tackle the problems of lack of infrastructure and unemployment in the State," added the PM.

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