Orange Fest ends without any hiccup
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei

Tamenglong, December 18 2012: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has observed that growing Orange is synonymous with employment generation and economy growth.

Speaking as chief guest of the closing function of 9th State Level Orange festival here today, Ibobi said that agricultural and horticultural activities are no more mere farming but potential industry for income and employment generation.

He appealed to the farmers to undertake their agricultural activities without exploiting the natural resources and make strong commitment towards minimize deforestation for shifting cultivation but to take up integrated farming with special thrust on Orange cultivation.

Ibobi observed that his Congress government has been giving special focus for development of Tamenglong district as unique zone of Orange cultivation in the state.

The Government is also giving paramount importance to improvement of the National Highway 37and completion of Railway project on time which would be beneficial to the farmer in marketing their products and help in improving their social economic status.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at 9th State Level Orange festival

Ibobi also reiterated that his Congress government is committed to development of both the hills and the valley and is against any form of discrimination between the two.

In his presidential speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam observed that it is indeed God's blessing that the soil of Tamenglong is suitable for any cultivation whether it is Orange, Lemon, Mousumi or anything that could be planted.

He pointed out that Tamenglong has enough potential to push ahead of other districts and urged all the participants of the orange festival to work hard as there is no substitute for it.

Observing that calling bandh, blockade or launching agitation would not bring any positive solution or outcome, Gaikhangam exhorted the gathering saying, 'It's time to come together and work for the better future of Tamenglong" .

GOC 3 Corps Lt.Gen AK Sahani, who was also present on the occasion, noted that the festival is one of its kind where not only the agricultural achievements of the farmers are showcased but also the triumph of the hard working people of the district.

These achievements are all the more significant in view of the adverse security situation in the district.

So, people should be resolute to go ahead with economic and social development of the district.

He also assured that the army and Assam Rifles would continue to assist not only for infrastructural development, but also in grooming the next generation in Zeliangrong areas.

Chief Secretary D.S Poonia, IAS; MLA of 53-Tamenglong (ST) A/C Janghemlung Panmei; MLA of 52-Tamenglong (ST) A/C Z Kikhonbou and Parliamentary Secretary Vungzagin Valte were among other dignitaries who graced the closing function of the festival held amidst boycott call by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Zeliangrong Youth Front.

As many as 239 Orange growers participated in the festival.

In the competition section of the festival, Taribou of Phellong village under Tousem, Pouguanglung of Duiluan village Tamenglong Sub- Division and Elkana Panmei of Ajuram Village of Tousem Sub- Division bagged the first, the second and the third prize for Best Orange grower. Meanwhil, volunteers of ANSAM and ZYF today tried to bury the ashes of the burnt effigy of O.Ibobi Singh at Haipou Jadonang Park Tamenglong HQs.

However, the police foiled the attempt.