Ranjit slams PC cuts culture of UGs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 29 2010: Coming out strongly against the trend of demanding percentage cuts from developmental fund by various UG groups, Works Minister K Ranjit has stated that demand for 5 to 10 percentage from the fund for development of Imphal-Moreh stretch of National Highway 39, which the Government of India has approved its upgradation to an International Highway, could have been done by those 'creatures' who have no foresight.

Speaking at the occasion of laying the foundation stone of a Peace and Harmony Pillar at Moreh town today morning as chief guest, Ranjit categorically observed that the ethnic clashes and tension being witnessed the border town from time to time are being instigated by some vested interested individuals.

Ranjit, Bijoy at the foundation stone laying

People of all the communities settling in Moreh should be wary of such individuals, the Minister cautioned.

The foundation stone of the Peace and Harmony Pillar has been laid with the idea of promoting peaceful coexistence among the different groups of people living in the border town.

The pillar is to be installed at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakhs under Manipur Development Society (MDS).

Appealing to all the community leaders for cooperation to ensure successful installation of the pillar, Minister Ranjit said that it is not just a simple pillar but a symbol of mutual co-operation and love among the different groups of people settled in the border town.

In tune with developmental changes in other parts of the globe, there is the need to take various development works in the border town, which is becoming an important trade centre.

In such a critical juncture, people of various communities in Moreh should shed their narrow parochial outlook, the Minister exhorted.

Communal tension and clashes in Moreh is a loss for the entire Manipur.

Public should understand that neighbouring States like Nagaland and Mizoram have been lobbying for ensuring passing of the International Highway through their respective States, the Minister cautioned.

Recalling that the team of the Ambassadors from South East Asian countries who visited Manipur during September last have given their approval to upgradation of NH 39 into International Highway and development of Moreh town as an important trade centre, the Minister said that it would be foolish on the part of the people to lost such a golden opportunity.

The Minister also informed that the Government of India has sanctioned Rs 127 crores for the development of the Imphal-Moreh stretch of the National Highway 39 from Thoubal Tangjeng to Moreh which is a distance of 92 kms.

Keeping the target of completing the work within 2 years, efforts are being made for covering at least 70 to 80 percent of the work within the next working season.

Unfortunately, undue interference and demand of the UGs have stopped the work from this November, the Minister lamented.

Stating that the crores of rupees being provided is for the development of the road stretch, the Minister explained that work order had been issued after an open tender at the National level and the bill would be cleared by the Government of India only after the work have been completed.

The contractors themselves would get the money and the State Government would have nothing to do in this regard.

In his presidential address, Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam, while observing that communal clashes and tension in the border town used to be very frequent in the past, hoped that installation of the Peace and Harmony Pillar would make the people to forget the unfortunate incidents of the past and help in forging ahead in the path of development together.

Stating that Manipur is an important gateway of India, Bijoy Koijam pointed out that various developmental works are being taken up in Moreh with an eye on converting it into an important International trade centre.

Understanding the importance of Moreh, Myanmarese authorities wished to set up a full-fledged trade centre here.

This opportunity should not be wasted.

Leaders of various communities also spoke at the occasion organised under the aegis of All Community Development Organisation.

Prior to laying the foundation stone of the pillar, Works Minister K Ranjit Singh inspected the condition of the National Highway 39 stretch from Imphal to Moreh and expressed happiness over the activities of the contractors who are engaged in development of the road stretch despite threats from UGs.