Govt giving priority to interior, border villages: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal/Senapati, January 11 2023: Senapati is a strategically important area, and taking advantage of the national highway which passes through the district, it can be fully developed, chief minister N Biren Singh said on Wednesday, adding, "We are trying to create a city like atmosphere in the district with due consultation with civil organisations like NPO and students union, etc".

The chief minister also highlighted developmental projects undertaken in the district including construction of Ima Market, stadiums, laying of astro turf for football, development of amusement park, foundation stone laying of youth centre for skill development of youth, etc.

N Biren was speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of the two-day Laii (Vafiimai) Day celebrated under the theme "Our Culture, Our Identity" at Laii village, Senapati.

Upon his arrival at the venue, the chief minister and his entourage were accorded a rousing welcome by the public.

"We are working day and night.

Today, we are able to provide potable water to at least 70-80 percent of the household in the district," the chief minister said.

Calling for unity, he urged all to forgive and forget the past mistakes and instead move forward unitedly.

Biren also sought the people's support to the 'War on Drugs' campaign and further appreciated the people of the district including the Poumai, Thangal, Mao, Maram, Liangmai people for coming out voluntarily and pledging against poppy plantation and illegal drug business.

Explaining the ills of poppy plantation, the chief minister said that it not only helps in production of drugs like opium but also destroys forest and environment.

It causes massive deforestation, which is adversely affecting the climate, he cautioned.

At the same time, the chief minister lauded the Naga community for protecting and preserving the jungle cover in their areas.

Disclosing that the proposal for upgrade of the Laii-Tusom via Kharasom road to national highway status was not included in the proposal sent to the centre earlier, the chief minister said that he would look into the demand for the upgrade.

N Biren also assured to look into the other points included in the memorandum submitted by the villagers.

He further applauded the people of the village for properly preserving their age-old tradition and culture.

Stressing on certain similarities between the Poumais and the Meiteis, the chief minister expressed his keenness to fully understand these similarities.

The CM also mentioned the Heritage village, Makhel in Senapati district where the Ahom, Meitei and Naga migrated from that place in the past.

Regretting lack of appointments of Senapati district denizens in government departments, he assured of creating avenue to create job opportunities.

He then stressed the need to visit the interior villages and said that the government has to understand the necessities and needs of its entire people including those living in the interior villages.

Highlighting the launching of the 'Go to Hills' and 'Go to Village' schemes in the earlier term, the chief minister said that the government understands the difficulties of life in the far-flung villages and so in its second term, the government is giving first priority to the interior villages and border areas under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Village chairman Th Kapani in his welcome address explained that the day is celebrated every five years to commemorate the innumerable blessings the people have been receiving since time immemorial, and also the day to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the village.

Kapani stated that Laii Day is also observed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the village and called the day as historic due to the presence of the CM, ministers, MP and MLAs.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA L Dikho called the villagers of Laii as most trust worthy, hardworking and very united village.

As the village lies in the border with Nagaland and Ukhrul, it is laudable good relationship is being maintained with neighbouring villages, the MLA said and also lauded CM for the care he has for the people and travelling to every corner of the state The MLA urged to continue to make a better world adding to make a memorable village to as to set an example to other villages of the region too.

Minister L Susindro Meite MP Rajya Sabha Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, Senapati DC and SP, public leaders among others also attended the inaugural function.

Highlights of the day in eluded inauguration of monolith by the chief guest whooping by three keels, hoisting of village flag, special items, cultural items by Laii Women Society and bee dance by Laii village menfolk among others.

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