'Hero Ibobi Singh' slogan rends the air at Kangpokpi district
Braving bullets, threats and blockade, CM inaugurates Kpi, Tpl districts
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, December 15 2016: The more than four decades dream of Sadar Hills, now Kangpokpi, ultimately became a reality today with the much awaited official inauguration of Kangpokpi district here at the DC complex a standing ovation to the State Chief Minister and his colleagues of the Manipur Congress Government.

Thousands of Sadar Hills people, young and old, men and women as early as 6 am congregated at the fascinatingly decorated Deputy Commissioner Complex for the historic and official inauguration of Kangpokpi district by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

With the chopper carrying the Chief Minister landing at the helipad at around 1.30 pm, the mood of the people shot up and cheers from thousands of people gathered at the helipad (located around 100 metres from the main inaugural venue) rend the air.

Braving bullets, threats and blockade, CM inaugurates Kpi, Tpl districts

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam; Revenue, Forest and Environment Minister, I Hemochandra Singh; Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLA O Landhoni, wife of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi district received the Chief Minister and his team at the Helipad and moved towards the main venue at DC complex where the three MLAs of Kangpokpi district namely IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, MLA Yamthong Haokip and MLA Nemcha Kipgen, with thousands of cheering crowds, welcomed them heartily.

The Chief Minister officially inaugurated Kangpokpi district by unveiling the districthood plaque in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and other Ministers and subsequently inaugurated the Deputy Commissioner Office by cutting the ribbon along all the other Ministers and MLAs.

The mammoth crowds raised the slogan, "Long Live O Ibobi Singh, Long Live Congress Government", right after the Chief Minister unveiled the districthood plaque and cut the ribbon as a mark of officially inaugurating Kangpokpi district.

Kuki cultural troupe, Nepali cultural troupe and Meetei cultural troupe exhibited traditional dance after the lighting of the candle by the Chief Minister and his colleagues.

Nepali community also presented traditional items including a 'Khukri' to the Chief Minister and his Ministers including MLAs as a mark of appreciation and happiness.

The three MLAs of Kangpokpi district presented traditional shawls to the Chief Minister and his team while MLA Nemcha Kipgen presented a Thadou traditional phanek called "Khamtang" to MLA Landhoni, the first lady of the State.

JAC, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and Autonomous District Council expressed thanked Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his Government for the historic declaration and once again raised the slogan, "Long Live Ibobi, Long Live Congress Government" .

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills named Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as 'Hero Ibobi Singh' and wished him and his Government success in future.

In his very short speech, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that new districts are created not in the interest of one community and not against another community and creation of new district does not mean that the Government gives away land to the any community but is for administrative convenience.

He also said that among other districts, declaration Kangpokpi district may have come a little late but added that this is not intentional and urged the people of Kangpokpi district to accept it as a "Christmas and New Year gift" .

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in his motivational speech said that violence has no room in society and it is time the people of Manipur inculcate the culture of a "Violence Free" State by eschewing anti- social activities, elements, etc.

Visibly disappointed over the non-participation of Naga cultural troupe at the historic occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that all communities living together in Kangpokpi district except Nagas have come together to participate in the cultural display.

Probably the Naga people stayed away due to threats, he added.

Noticeably excited Revenue Minister, I.Hemochandra Singh exclaimed that Manipur is a beautiful place with a mixture of various ethnic communities and Kangpokpi district symbolizes such fine-looking combination of all communities.

Shouting "Li��Li�..Li�..Ho�..Ho�.Ho�.", the Revenue Minister enthused the people of Kangpokpi district.

It is worth mentioning that with nine sub-divisions, Kangpokpi district has the highest number of sub-divisions in the State.