JD-U bats for aiding artistes, fair air fare
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 21 2023: Janata Dal (United) Manipur State has urged Governor Anusuiya Uikey for extending financial assistance to Manipuri artistes and making necessary arrangement for affordable flight rate between Imphal and Guwahati.

In response, the Governor expressed sadness over hardships being endured by the artistes due to the violence in the state and assured that to ask the government to work out plans so as to extend support to the artistes and working class to at least support their families.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Thursday, JD-U president Ksh Biren pointed out that all activities of artistes and performers in Manipur have come to near standstill owing to the ethnic conflict that broke out on May 3, consequently reducing their earnings to almost nil.

In the absence of alternative means of livelihood, artistes are facing serious financial issues, the memorandum mentioned and sought the Governor's initiative towards extending financial assistance to all affected artistes and performers of traditional art forms in Manipur.

It also highlighted that since outbreak of the conflict, people belonging to Meetei community have been avoiding travel by road own account of the risk they face amid the hostile environment.

As students, patients, sports-persons and public have to take the aerial route, air fare has increased manifold due to demand outstripping supply of seats in airlines.

Ksh Biren suggested to the Governor to intimate authorities concerned to extend financial support in the form of subsidising the air fare between Imphal and Guwahati as done for another community.

The JD-U president also urged for extending financial assistance to the families of skilled and unskilled workers as they are rendered jobless due to disturbance caused to construction works of infrastructure projects.

On the other hand, Brigadier (retired) L Ibotombi Singh called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening and shared proposals for resolving the present impasse in the state.

The army veteran suggested that disarmament is the prerequisite factor to bring the situation back to the atmosphere where peace talks can be initiated.

Deployment of security forces based on threats and flash points of violence, encourage surrender of arms, seal the Indo-Myanmar border, etc., were some of the points he suggested to the Governor.

He also urged the Governor to fill up the post of secretary, Rajya Sainik Board and to appoint a director of the Board in the interest of the ex-servicemen in the stated.

The Governor welcomed his suggestions, and assured to take up steps for the welfare of ex-servicemen in the state.

Meanwhile, education minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh along with MaolKeki Foundation founder trustee Dr Shachi Gurumayum called on the Governor and highlighted the various initiatives taken up by the Foundation to bring about a change in rural economy by encouraging agriculture and horticulture in the state.

Dr Shachi conveyed that training programmeg for agro-entrepreneurs were conducted and youths from 14 districts, except Jiribam and Pherzawl, participated.

The Governor appreciated the efforts made by the Foundation and exhorted to continue with the same pace to make Manipur a developed and prosperous state.

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