No change in Govt's position on integrity: CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 12 2020: Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has categorically stated that the State Government always stands firm on its position that the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary are non-negotiable under any circumstances.

Responding to queries raised by media persons on the Naga peace talk during a press conference held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat today, Biren hinted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah may come to Imphal within the current month in connection with the Central Government's quest for a solution to the decades old political dialogue.

It appears that Amit Shah is keen to meet representatives of CSOs and political parties, Biren said.

"NEDA convenor and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during his recent trip to Imphal told me that the Central Government may invite me and Opposition leader Okram Ibobi to New Delhi on May 10 .

This information has been already conveyed to the Opposition leader", the Chief Minister told media persons.

As no official invitation has been received so far, no arrangement has been made to go to Delhi within the next couple of days, he said.

"There is no question of the State Government ever changing or compromising its position on the State's integrity regardless of whether we are invited to New Delhi or the Union Home Minister comes to Imphal", Biren asserted.

New Delhi has been told repeatedly in unambiguous terms that any kind of infringement upon Manipur would not be accepted.

When a joint team of CSOs and political parties went to New Delhi last year, Amit Shah promised that the Central Government would listen to all stakeholders.

The State Government has also been urging the Central Government to consult all stakeholders before finalising a solution with the NSCN ((IM), he said.

To another query, the Chief Minister said that the ongoing restoration work of Irang bailey bridge may be completed within a week.

He added that he would lay foundation stone for construction of an RCC bridge over Irang River on the day the Irang bailey bridge is opened to traffic.

After the Irang bridge snapped in the middle on November 1 plunging a truck (tipper) into the river, installation of a new bailey bridge started yesterday but it again collapsed.

It is rather disheartening that some people have been mocking all the efforts of civil and military engineers who have been toiling hard to restore the bridge on social media, Biren remarked.

There are three key bridges on Imphal-Jiribam highway namely; Irang, Barak and Makru.

Barak and Makru bridges are being constructed with RCC and the construction works are nearing completion, he said.

It is rather unfortunate that COVID-19 SOP were not followed at some places of the four Assembly segments which went to by-polls recently.

Nonetheless, the Government has been working to carry out COVID-19 test after sending surveillance teams to the four Assembly segments.

COVID-19 transmission rate in the State is not that alarming and the credit goes to the dedicated efforts of frontline workers including police, CSOs and volunteers but the situation still does not guarantee anyone to put down their guard, the Chief Minister stated.

He then appealed to the local level COVID committees to take pro-active roles in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and MLAs to assist the local COVID committees.

To another query, Biren said that the COVID Death Audit Committee is already there but the doctor who is serving as its convenor was infected by COVID-19 .

As a result, the committee's periodic meeting was put on hold.

But now, the committee has started functioning properly, Biren said.

He also conveyed gratitude to the people of Manipur, particularly the people of Wangoi AC, Wangjing-Tentha AC, Saitu AC and Singnat AC for electing all the candidates fielded by BJP.

Biren went on to claim that the by-poll results clearly reflect people's trust in the Government and its policies.

The Chief Minister also launched Leave Travel Concession Cash Voucher Scheme and Special Festival Advance Scheme for Government employees.

Biren informed that a survey has been already started for producing cement in the State for which necessary fund has been incorporated in the budget.

Ahead of the press conference, the Chief Minister launched the Manipur Oil Palm Project through video conference.

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