Ima Keithel inaugurated, foundation laid for cops' quarters
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 31 2025: Chief minister N Biren Singh inaugurated Ima Keithel at Sekmai and Kanglatongbi and laid the foundation stone for construction of Type-II and III Quarters at Sekmai police station in a function held at KSA Ground, Koujengleima, Awang Sekmai on Friday.

The Ima Keithel at Sekmai was constructed at a cost of Rs 8 crore, while that of Kanglatongbi cost around Rs 5 crore.

The project cost for the construction of Type-II and III Quarters is pegged at Rs 68.7 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren acknowledged hardships being endured by the people due to the unprecedented crisis.

Ima Keithel inaugurated, foundation laid for cops' quarters

To address the suffering to some extent, the state government is making all possible efforts to restore peace and normalcy, without compromising on development works and welfare programmes, he said.

Reflecting on the various citizen-centric schemes initiated by the BJP-led government, since its formation in 2017, he referred to Go to Hills and Go to Village missions, aimed at uniform development across the state and take the governance to far-flung villages of Manipur.

Mentioning the successful implementation of Chief Ministergi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) which provides cashless treatment to poor households, Biren informed that around 2,15,000 beneficiaries have been covered with an expenditure of Rs 289 crore (approx) from the state exchequer.

He further informed that under the Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) scheme, more than three lakh people had been treated free of cost, expending an amount of Rs 280 crore (approx) .

The CM also informed that the state government has so far constructed 27 Ima Keithel across the state, as a part of government's initiatives for empowering women.

Recounting that foundation for the two Ima Keithel inaugurated were laid on January 7, 2021, Biren lauded the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited for completing the projects within a short span of time, without compromising work quality.

Regarding the world class football ground with gallery under construction at Sekmai Kangjeibung at an estimated cost of around Rs 7 crore to attract youths to games and sports, Biren sought the support of the people to complete the construction soon.

Stating that the state government introduced an Economic Revival Mission to empower locals with skills for sustainable livelihoods, the CM continued that under the mission, many products are being produced substituting imports and contributing to the economy.

He then appealed to women vendors to maintain cleanliness in and around the market.

Biren went on to recount how the ILP system was implemented in the state and also the border fencing works.

He said that compared to the past, outsiders now need to enter their biometrics and get verified before getting a permit to enter the state.

After a long deliberation, the government fixed 1961 as the base year to identify outsiders, in view of the long-term interests of the state.

The chief minister then urged all indigenous communities to live together in harmony.

He urged the old Thadou, Paite, Hmar, Vaiphei or Zomi to live together like before instead of welcoming outsiders just because of similar appearance or religion, and change the demography of the state.

The state government would never tolerate such demographic changes, which would impact the drug issues and economy of the state.

Biren continued that the difficulties we are facing at present is all in the interest and well-being of the future generation.

He said that the government is trying its level best to resolve the threats from outsiders and restore peace and harmony amongst the communities in the state.

The suffering we are facing today is for the good of Manipur, and we are starting to see the same, he remarked.

Social Welfare minister and local MLA Heikham Dingo, in a brief speech, said that the inauguration and laying of foundation stones underscore that developmental works are being taken up under the leadership of CM N Biren Singh, even during the hard time the state is facing.

He further lauded the people for all their support, trust and cooperation shown to the government.

The inauguration programme was attended by Water Resource minister Awangbow Newmai, PHE minister L Susindro (Yaima) Meitei, Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, Forest minister Thongam Biswajit, MLAs and people of Sekmai AC among others.