CM moots guest houses for Buddhist pilgrims
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 10 2017:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that the Government of Manipur is planning to construct guest houses in the State for Buddhist pilgrims travelling from Myanmar to Bodh Gaya as well as for tourists and patients coming from the neighbouring country.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of an international conference on 'Looking Forward: India-Myanmar Relations' held at Yangon during his four-day visit to Myanmar today.
The conference is jointly organised by the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, India (ISCS) and Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS) with supports from Embassy of India, Yangon, RIS India, MIBC and Mizzima Media Group.
Speaking as the chief guest, Chief Minister N Biren said that a regional language study centre would be set up in Manipur for learning foreign languages specially Myanma-rese and Thai languages.
Manipur Government would set up Buddhist religious teaching institution(s) irf alliance with Nalanda University through the Ministry of Culture, Government of India in Manipur.
Mentioning the glorious past of Indo-Myanmar relations, the Chief Minister said that India and Myanmar are not simply good neighbours but inseparable nations that have together stood the test of time for centuries now.
Highlighting the border area development plan for Moreh and surrounding areas, Biren said that the Government is planning to develop a new cosmopolitan township with all the requisite facilities in order to promote international trade and commerce.
Underscoring the significance of Act East Policy in the region, Biren stated that Manipur Government has constituted a State level committee to aid and advise in effective operationalisation of Act EastPolicyinthe State.
With an aim to promote and implement the Act East Policy ofthe Government oflndia effectively, he said, the Committee shall advise and guide the departments and agencies of the Government in carrying out various activities in Manipur and the neighbouring region.
He further mentioned about the North East India's rich natural resources.
The region has the highest hydro power potential in the country.
The region has the potential to generate above 40,000 Mega Watts.
The Chief Minister stated that the State Government has identified several potential projects for investment under such sectors as power, tourism, horticulture, agro based industries; food processing, handloom and handicrafts etc.
and Manipur is ready to provide incentives to potential investors who are willing to invest in the State.
He said that necessary infrastructure need to be developed in terms of storage and processing facilities, adequate marketing system, road infrastructure and market centres in the region.
The Chief Minister invited media fraternity from Myanmar to be the guests in Manipur during the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017.He said that there will be a media interaction where one can share the views and ideas on Act East Policy, to deepen relationships between the two neighbouring countries and facilitate economic growth.
He further proposed an exhibition football match between a Myanmar women football team and a Manipur women football Team during the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival under the theme "Connecting through Sports" .
Welcoming the proposal Mizzima Media Group Editor-in-chief Soe Myint said that they are prepared to play such a highly significant exhibition football match.
Among others, Retired Ambassador and MISIS Chairman U Nyunt Maung Shein, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Zeya, Ambassador of India to Myanmar Vikram Misri and Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, India (ISCS), Secretary Arindam Mukherjee also attended the conference.
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Vineet Joshi, State Level Committee for Operationalisation of Act East Policy Convenor RK Shivachandra and Personal Secretary to Chief Minister Salam Rajen are accompanying the Chief Minister.
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