No compromise on development of state: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 10 2024:
Chief minister N Biren Singh has asserted that development works shall not be compromised at any cost in-spite of the fact that the state is grappling with ethnic strife for over ten months and impacting the people.
Speaking at a programme held to launch development of a football ground with natural grass at Lamlai on Sunday, CM N Biren declared that the government is committed to continue with developmental projects regardless of the state passing through a difficult phase.
Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating and laying foundation stone for various projects worth Rs 3,500 crore for Manipur underscores synergy and firm resolve of both the centre and the state to do the needful for progress of the country, he said.
The chief minister also maintained that development of a football ground with natural grass at Lamlai is among the important projects which the PM had launched.
As chief guest at the project commencement programme organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, N Biren said the football Lamlai facility will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 8.53 crore along with informing that the state government had also sent a proposal for construction of sports complex for Imphal East district at Lamlai too.
CM Biren also said that no one had thought that a rally against the Meetei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status would lead to violent attacks.
The CM comment refers to the ethnic strife that broke out in May last ye ar, which claimed more than 200 lives and caused destruction to private and government properties.
The rally denouncing the Meitei/Meetei community's demand was organised by All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, following which violence began.
Biren said, "When ATSUM decided to hold a rally against the demand for ST status by Meiteis, there were no reports of any ulterior design by a section of the people".
All are entitled to express their opinions through a rally, the chief minister said.
"However, nobody ever thought the rally would lead to violence," he said.
The CM recounted that the rally began around 9.30 pm and within an hour, a forest office was torched in Churachandpur at 10.30.A driver was also assaulted followed by attacks on the homes of others, he said.
"However, no such violence was reported in Naga-inhabited areas of Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati.
We need to understand who wants to break Manipur," the chief minister said.
While informing that security forces have been deployed in foothill areas to deescalate tensions, the chief minister appreciated Union home minister Amit Shah for his concern about the unprecedented crisis in the state and his address in the Parliament regarding the causes of the same.
He also stated that the state government has been working tirelessly for ensuring security and safety of the state and its people.
Referring to a memorandum submitted by the locals of Lamlai AC, Biren assured them to deploy state security forces at Thamnapokpi, Gwaltabi and other vulnerable areas.
N Biren also appreciated the central leaders for their support and guidance, mentioning the implementation of Inner Line Permit System, border fencing, suspension of Free Movement Regime and others.
Works minister Th Biswajit, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, transport minister Khashim Vashum, Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Lamlai MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kujakeswor, Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar, Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan and top government officials also attended the programme.
(With inputs from Waari Singbul Network) .
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