IMPHAL, May 10: Work minister K. Ranjit has today unveiled the foundation stone for the construction of a guest house at Shirui Village, Ukhrul.
The guest which will be built at the cost of Rs 1.5 crore will aim to provide accommodation to the visiting tourist which has always been the prolonged dream of the villagers.
The programme was also attended by Ramnganing Muivah, IAS, principal secretary, work and Transport Government of Manipur, Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul, Ashok Kumar, IAS, H. Thaimon, chief engineer electrical/mechanical, PWD, Government of Manipur, officials of the works department, villagers, elders and leaders of Shirui village.
Delivering his chief guest speech minister K. Ranjit, maintained that the Sirui lily is among the top tourist hot spot in the state desired by the foreign tourist however due to the unstable law and order situation they are hesitant to come to the place.
He further observed that the situation will change given the various initiative taken up by SPF ministry in the state. He also claimed that construction of the mini secretariat in the district will help to centralize power and ensure smooth functioning of the district administration.
He added that Ukhrul will the first district of the state where newly built mini secretariat will be handed over.
While citing the law and order situation of the state minister K. Ranjit stated that the state is reeling under a strong wave of communal hatred fueled by external forces at present. It has influenced blood sheds among different communities residing in the state.
He urged the people to recall the history of the genesis of how different indigenous communities had evolved in the state together and added that he termed the failure to come to realization of one’s identity as unfortunate, for despite the historical relation and facts between the various communities of the state, the people are divided by external influences.
The work minister appealed the people to keep aside the differences and past errors which have been the main factor isolating one another and at the same time to reject the external forces taking advantage of the situation in the state, in consideration of the future generation.
He disclosed that the construction work of the guest house has been handed over to a local contractor and informed that strong instruction has been given to complete the house by November last week this year.
K. Ranjit further assured the gathering to develop the 1.40 km stretch of road from Sirui Village leading to Shirui hill.
The minister gave his assurance while responding to a memorandum submitted by Shirui Panchayat Board to take up some developmental works in and around the village also.
Ramnganing Muivah, IAS, principal secretary, work and Transport Government of Manipur, while speaking during the function held that the Shirui is not just a flower but the most important part of the Tangkhul culture. He explained that Shirui lily is also widely found in many folk lores of the community.
H. Thaimon, chief engineer also claimed that the construction of the house will mark the beginning of economic sustainability for the people of the village.
While lauding the efforts of the minister, the DC Ukhrul stated that the construction of the guest house or accommodation for tourist has been a prolonged dream of the villagers.
Unveiling of the foundation stone by the minister, presentation of gifts and song performance by children of the village marked the observation.