Centre committed to protect Manipur, indigenes: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal/Kakching, October 29 2023: In continuation of the government's initiative to take up development projects, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday laid the foundation stones for various development projects at a programme organised by Kakching district administration at Keirak Kangjeibung Lampak, Kakching.

The projects to be taken up with an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore consist of Manipur Road Project i.e., improvement of road from Keirak to Wabagai Tera Urak and improvement of road from Wabagai Tera Urak to Turel Mamei, and development of Football Ground with Natural Grass at Keirak Kangjeibung.

The implementing agency for the first two road projects is DRDA, Kakching district and that of the football ground by Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited.

Addressing the gathering, CM N Biren informed that the football ground to be constructed af a cost of around Rs 8 crore will have an RCC gallery with changing room and toilet.

The state government would be constructing a total of 11 such football grounds across the state, he revealed, while adding that the project for improvement of road from Keirak to Wabagai Tera Urak and from Wabagai Tera Urak to Turel Mamei, would be taken up at a cost of Rs 14 crore.

He then informed that repairing of road stretches from Mayang Imphal to Kakching Lamkhai would be started by the end of this year and the central government has approved an amount of Rs 480 crore for the same.

The CM then said that all those who have sacrificed their lives to protect the integrity of the state and those displaced by the violence, their sufferings and the wake-up call against the threat to the indigenous communities and the state itself will be recorded in the pages of Manipur history.

Maintaining that the root causes of the current conflict lie in the attempts being made to rectify the mistakes of the past, Biren remarked that a true politician is one who thinks and works for the welfare of the present and future generations and protection of all indigenous communities.

He then urged the people to bear the difficulties brought on by the conflict for the sake of the state, adding that this perseverance will ensure a long lasting peace for the future generation.

Reiterating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders have been taking up certain initiatives to protect the state and its indigenous people, apart from various schemes, development and welfare programmes, he maintained that the central leaders have great concern for the people of the state.

In this regard, over Rs 6 crore had been sanctioned for displaced people, with inmates in relief camps receiving Rs 1000 each.

At present, each household/family unit is receiving Rs 5000 each.

The CM mentioned that the state had been witnessing a tough phase due to the present conflict and everyone has been facing hardship.

However, the government must continue its development works alongside the measures for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

To a plea of a mother staying at Napat Relief Camp wanting to return to her own home; Biren said that amidst these trying times, the state is moving forward.

The government too has been working hard to provide alternative livelihoods while also ensuring development of the state.

At the same time, it has to stand against the conspiracy being hatched for last 10-20 years to disintegrate Manipur, he contended.

The CM urged all the students who have not been able to gain access to education to contact the DC concerned.

In addition, the construction of prefabricated houses at Yaithibi Loukol has been completed and the displaced families could move in with in the next 4-5 days.

In his speech, Works minister Govindas Konthoujam appreciated the far-sighted vision of CM N Biren and his initiative to preserve nature and maintain ecological balance.

He spoke on the effect of environmental degradation due to certain human factors, while stressing the need to keep a balance with nature.

Mentioning the talents of the state youth in the held of games and sports, the minister informed that 11 football grounds with natural grass would be constructed across the state.

He recalled that the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) and Youth Affairs and Sports Department had earlier signed an agreement for setting up a football academy in the state under the technical support of AIFF and as such, some football grounds with natural grass are needed to be constructed across the state.

Considering the representation of footballers from Keirak at the state and national level events, the government decided to develop a football ground at the place, he informed.

Regarding the construction work of road from Mayang Imphal to Kakching Lamkhai, which is likely to begin before March next year; he added that the road would be of four lanes except a 10km stretch of 2 lanes.

The minister then highlighted the many development works undertaken and proposed by Wabagai AC Dr Usham Deben, including an RCC-bridge at Maibam Konjil among others.

During the programme, the CM distributed certain items under Samagra Shiksha flagship programme.

CMHT cards, Ayushman Bharat cards, Old Age Pension Scheme, CM Widow Pension Scheme, NFSA ration cards, LPG connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Job cards were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairman Dr Usham Deben, Manipur Industrial Development Corporation (MANIDCO) Ltd chairman Kongkham Robindro, Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation chairman Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Manipur Electronics Development Corporation (MANITRON) chairman Sapam Kunjakeswor, Kakching AC MLA Mayanglambam Rameshwar, Kakching deputy commissioner Somorjit Salam and other government officials also attended the programme.

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