CM vows prompt process for Makltel heritage project
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, December 29 2021: Chief minister N Biren Singh at -tended the cultural session of the Makhel Heritage Conclave being organised by Mao Students' Union as honoured guest in the presence of Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze, who attended as special guest, PHE minister L Dikho, MLA N Kayisii, and ADC Senapati caretaker chairman A Kapani, who were the hosts.

Dr Saheni Loli, president Mao Council, in his keynote address, lauded the chief minister for all the developmental activities undertaken in the area.

According to folktales, the Meiteis, the Ahom of Assam and the Nagas once lived in harmony at Makhel, the heritage village.

The Makhel Heritage Conclave is stated to be an attempt to relive that good old memories or myth.

The reliving together could be achieved if the place is turned into a tourism hotspot, he said.

From the historical perspective, the Nagas got dispersed from Shajouba with a pledge under the great wild pear tree that one day they would come together at its root.

With the realization of the importance of culture, Nagas from different parts of the country started giving importance to the heritage village.

In order to strengthen the pledge, there is the need to continue giving a far-reaching approach to the heritage by turning the village into a cultural hub.

A huge potential could be foreseen in developing the place into a tourism site comprising four corners of the Mao Council which always work for wellbeing of the people and maintaining good relationship with different communities, the Mao Council president added.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren highlighted the importance of the historical village and said that organising of the conference at the spot showed its importance.

He expressed gladness on learning that the conclave focuses on exploring and promoting art and culture of the region under the theme, "Rekindling our Heritage".

The CM said that he would go through the project report in consultation with an architect.

INA Memorial sample yard that is underway at Moirang is to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister along with the tallest Indian Flag in the entire Northeast, he added.

The CM also asked the village authority to set up a committee for development of the heritage site with 3 stones for the Meiteis, Ahom and Nagas.

Biren assured of including the project in the government's priority list and suggested a new name for it as "Re-United Heritage Park of Manipur", while promising immediate process under Planning and Corpus fund in consultation with experts.

The site would be an inspiration to many.

Such initiative could promote and facilitate the youth to imbibe leadership skills and explore career opportunities through academic sessions, he added.

The CM also reflected on many changes that have been brought to Senapati district during the last 4-5 years including setting up of trauma centre, blood bank, women market, and mini stadium, which is going to be inaugurated soon, water supply, Sabhna Mandav, Residential School, etc.

Different entrepreneurs have come up with their different wares in the region, he noted and reminded that his government has introduced CMHT for many people in the hills.

The CM also assured of looking for an appropriate place for Mao Market in Imphal.

He called on the youth of the region to opt for sports as career.

Direct IAS coaching has also been set up in Imphal for civil services aspirants, who will now need not go to Delhi, Biren said.

He also asked all to wear masks in public gatherings to avoid further spread of the Covid-19 .

Timikha Koza, president Tenyimi People's Organization (TPO), in his greetings, stated that the TPO is a big family with 10 different tribes.

He also lauded the Mao people for being a hard working community and urged them to keep it up to inspire other people and assured of settling the pending border land issue with Nagaland in near future which could bring better relationship among people of both states.

Meanwhile, minister Dikho thanked the chief minister for his commitment towards developing the region and also called him the first chief minister of Manipur to visit the hill districts very frequently.

The PHE minister then said that the Mao Cherry Blossom Festival could be internationalised through the support of the chief minister.

Although the proposed Freedom Fighter Museum at Makhel had been shifted due to technical reasons, L Dikho expressed hope that the government would construct a better one in the village.

Speaking at the event, Dr Lorho Pfoze noted that the past leaders from Mao community had shown good precedence of how to lead and strengthen community during their leadership to ensure a vibrant society.

It is through their hard work that student community celebrated the 88th year of existence and also to carry forward the dreams of the people, he said.

The MP stated that 10 years ago they had thought of bringing together all those tribes who were dispersed from the village to come together by holding such a meeting, recollecting one's heritage.

He also hoped to see a world class heritage site when the students' union celebrates its centenary.

MLA Susindro, during his speech, questioned why such history was not acknowledged during the Congress rule in the state.

The MLA also lauded the coming of the NPF that paved the way for better relationship between the hills and the valley with such similar history of the past.

The MLA also assured of bringing electricity to the spot where electricity facility is yet to arrive.

Cultural dances from Laii (Vafiimai) cultural troupe representing Pouma tribe, Yangkhullen dance troupe representing Zeliang tribe and cultural troupe from Kaibi village were showcased during the event.

CM N Biren also inaugurated a sport complex at Oklong village in Senapati district which has been named after his father (Late) N Goura Singh.

In his brief speech, the CM conveyed his sincere gratitude to the locals for naming the complex in his late father's name.

He also stated that there is no religion or caste in sports, and everyone is equal in the field of sports.

He also conveyed that in six districts sports facilities are being developed.

These sports facilities will be equipped with galleries and changing rooms, the CM and added that since model code of election conduct is round the corner, he may not be able to visit these places though they would remain his top priority.

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