Will find political solution to conflict: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 19 2024: While it is impractical to have the conflict take up all the time, the government will do its utmost to handle the conflict and bring about a political solution.

There is the need to make the effort for the present and future generation.

The 13-14 months lost due to the conflict need to be made up so as to improve the economy of the state or else, it will not be able to develop, stated chief minister N Biren Singh.

On Friday, the chief minister launched 'Skilling and Livelihood Programme', organised by Department of Horticulture & Conservation, at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, here.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren reiterated the government's stand towards economic revival and making the state self-reliant.

He continued that some people are only focused on the conflict and not considering the future of the state and its people.

The conflict may be causing distress but one must remember that people need to earn money and educate their children, Biren stated and assured that central and state governments are trying their best and working for the wellbeing of the people.

He further said that advancing or retreating when dealing with a foe is part of the strategy.

However, it is not unusual to see some trying to divert the attention from core issues.

The issue faced by the people at present is definitely a huge challenge which will take time and effort, conceded the chief minister, adding that the government is will give its all to address suffering of the people.

Stating that there are numerous information which the government cannot make public, Biren said that people in the field know that the masses are safe because of the government's presence, while those lying on their beds and scrolling social media platforms have no idea.

Those working in the field are in close contact with the government at all times, he added.

Informing that the government established the food processing units in the state after considering the effects on the health of children after consuming products brought from Myanmar, the CM said that these units are now able to produce various indigenous products.

He continued that the government had been trying to make Manipur an organic state way before the conflict began.

Mentioning that there are some people who are upset over reopening of schools, colleges and offices with the conflict subsiding; Biren further said that there are also some who believed that the conflict broke out after the government began deporting illegal immigrants.

There are also others who are proficient in spreading fake rumours.

All of these should not be trusted any given point, he cautioned.

Stating that everyone had been facing hardship for the last few months due to the current unprecedented crisis, the CM stressed the need for everyone to focus on day-to-day necessary activities for livelihood and to revive the economy which had been badly affected.

He continued that the government has also been taking up every possible step to protect, improve and provide quality life to the people of this state.

On the topics to be deliberated during the technical, session of the programme, he pointed out the rising number of fish farmers in the state, producing more quantity of fish to meet the demand.

He also said that the import of fish into the state has been significantly reduced by 80 per cent.

He maintained that the government had taken up certain initiatives like Chief Ministergi Hakshelgi Tengbang, School Fagathansi Mission, College Fagathansi Mission and others, so that the public spend less on children's education and can save a part of their earnings for other purposes to improve their livelihood.

Stating that the DMU issue has been resolved, CM Biren informed the gathering that he had a meeting with principals of government and aided colleges earlier and discussed the need to instil discipline and enhance knowledge of the students.

He stressed the importance of conducting assemblies in colleges and singing of National Anthem and State Song to imbibe discipline, while informing that scholarships will not be granted to college students who do not have 75 per cent attendance.

In this regard, a team has been formed, he said, while adding that teachers without 75 per cent attendance are liable to face "no work, no pay" action.

The chief minister further stated that the state government had started a process for finding out students who cannot get admitted to college due to financial problems, being the bread earner of the family and to take measures to get them enrolled in colleges.

He also spoke on various schemes introduced by the government for the welfare of the people.

"Politics is not a good thing.

It always tries to sow discord among everyone.

Thus, we must not do politics in working for the people," he contended.

Stating that the BJP government did not cause the issues presently faced by the people, he said that the conflict is the result of the government's efforts to unite the "divided" state and prevent its disintegration.

He then reiterated that a cabinet sub-committee is keeping a close eye on the residents at relief camps and those out to defend their villages.

Concluding his speech, he stressed the need to make up the losses incurred in the last 14-15 months due to the crisis and directed government officials and banks officials to deal with the public needs in a constructive manner.

Water Resources minister Awangbow Newmai reiterated the ideas and initiatives of CM Biren towards bringing inclusive and holistic development in the state.

He also spoke on certain developments which had been achieved under the CM's initiatives and expressed the need for coordinated efforts of all sections of people in restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

During the technical session of the programme, resource persons deliberated on certain topics including opportunities and benefits of animal husbandry as a means of reviving livelihood activities of the youths, scope of fish farming as a means of income generation for the youths, methods of composting and vermicompost-ing, mushroom cultivation, means of income generation for the unemployed youths and empowering youths through food processing in the state.

The skilling and development programme had been taken up to empower the youths who are committed to rebuild their lives and achieve a dignified livelihood through productive participation in rebuilding our economy, which has been badly affected by the unprecedented crisis in the state.

It aims to synergise and leverage the strength of existing skilling and livelihood schemes offered by different departments.

By converging these schemes under one nodal department, it will ensure streamlined implementation, efficient resource allocation and wider range of skilling opportunities to targeted youths.

Further, the objectives of the programme are skill development, livelihood generation, holistic support, and economic revival among others.

Agriculture minister Thongam Biswajit, CAF & PD minister L Susindro Meitei, Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo, MLAs, senior government officials, officials of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, experts and trainees also attended the programme among others.

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