Indigenes should live as one: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, September 25 2023: Chief Minister N Biren inaugurated and laid foundation stones of various projects worth Rs 196 crore in Khoupum sub-division of Noney district in a function held at Higher Secondary School, Gaidimjang village on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, Biren said that the present turmoil in the state is quite unfortunate and said that Churachandpur, some parts of Tengnoupal, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur are disturbed, but the state is trying hard to help those affected by providing pre-fabricated homes, helping those who can resettle at their original localities, deploying security forces, opening national highways, lifting internet ban.

The government is trying hard to improve the situation, he said, adding that the indigenous communities of the state should continue to live as one.

He also said that the government will continue to fight poppy plantations and illegal drug trades.

"Let us all work hard towards returning to normalcy," he said, adding that the government is there to protect the lives and properties of the people and will continue to do so.

Biren said that on March 15, 2017, people of the state brought a BJP led government in the state.

With God's blessings and cooperation of the people, the first five years of the government went by peacefully without any bandh, blockade.

Unfortunately, due to COVID and some political instability during the previous term, the government lost some two and half years, he recounted.

The CM also said that Go to Hills was launched to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley so that unity and equal development could be brought in the state.

He further said that during the past six years, Tamenglong has seen many visible changes including improvement of Khongshang Road, development of football ground, water supply schemes among others.

The transit accommodation being inaugurated was constructed under Hill Areas Development Programme (HADP).

The government is also developing an amusement park, a seven-aside football ground in the district, he said and assured construction of Khoupum water supply scheme.

Further praising Khoupum's beauty, the chief minister said that Khoupum is a beautiful God-gifted place, and assured that a tourist circuit will come up soon at Khoupum.

Deliberating further on developmental works undertaken in the district, the CM highlighted ongoing constructions of Ayush Hospital at Thangal village and a 50-bedded hospital at Noney.

Understanding the importance of NH 37, a Trauma Centre and Blood bank is already functioning at Nungba, he continued.

Reassuring his commitment to make Tamenglong one of the most developed districts, the CM urged the people to make some compromise while seeking land compensation for developmental works like road construction.

He also assured to provide a fire service station and additional ambulance at Noney soon.

He also assured to construct an Ima Market at Khoupum.

He lauded the people of both Noney and Tamenglong districts for preserving and protecting the forest cover including Khoupum area.

The projects for which foundation stones are laid include construction of football stadium at Khoupum (NEC) under YAS; rehabilitation and strengthening of Bishnupur-Nungba Road; improvement of Khoupum sub-division HQ Ring Road (R1DF); improvement of intra-village roads of seven colonies of Gaidimjang village under Khoupum sub-division under SACI 2023-2024; construction of Type-III and Type-II quarters in Khoupum PS under SACI 2023-24; construction of Water Supply Scheme at Khoupum sub-division; and Khongsang Guest House near Khongsang Railway Station.

The CM also inaugurated an Open Gym at Thanagong village and transit quarters/ hostel at Khangsinglung Higher Secondary School, Khoupum.

Speaking about the CM's dreams of bringing a positive change in the entire state/Govindas Konthoujam observed that the second innings of the government under CM Biren has just taken off with various international and national events such as tri-nation football tournament and Miss India contest.

People were confident that the present government would do something and bring changes in all aspects including in the field of healthcare, education among others.

However, the present conflict has slowed everything down, which is very much unfortunate for everyone, he said.

In his address, minister L Susindro assured to provide potable water to all villages in the area under the supervision of the CM.

He said that Khoupum Valley is already a beautiful tourist spot and has the potential to become better and urged the local residents to welcome tourists in order to attract more tourists.

Hill Areas Committee chairman Dinganglung Gangmei said that the people should work for the development of their areas, village, constituency, society.

He appealed to the church leaders to pray for peace.

During the formal function, church leaders and pastors offered a condolence prayer for those who have lost their lives during the ongoing crisis, and prayers to bring peace in the state.

MLA Th Shanti and DC Noney Joseph Pauline Kamson and others also attended the function.

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