IMPHAL, Apr 11: While the denizens of Ukhrul accorded a rousing welcome to Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren on his maiden visit to the district today as the Chief Minister, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has urged the Chief Minister to expedite the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM, revoke the State Government’s order of creating seven new districts and refrain from militarising Naga areas.
The Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers were accorded a warm reception at TNL ground, Ukhrul district headquarters where a public meeting was also held.
Addressing the huge gathering, the Chief Minister announced an economic package of Rs 201 crore for Ukhrul district. He also declared that a five day Siroy Lily festival would be celebrated at State level on May 5.
The huge gathering was attended by Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, ADC Members, top ranking civil and police officials, CSO functionaries and Church leaders.
Biren pledged that he would not never let down the trust and love shown by the people of Ukhrul district, particularly Tangkhul community. There is a mythology which says that Tangkhuls are elder brothers and Meiteis are younger brothers and this is a fact, he said.
“It is this belief and fraternal love which brought me here”, Biren stated.
“Soon after I was elected as an MLA, I raised a private member resolution in the State Assembly in 2002 and it was unanimously passed by the House. The private member resolution was an appeal to all the communities of Manipur to forget and forgive all the wrongs done to each other in the past due to differences in religious faiths, and bridge whatever gap that existed among different communities”, Biren continued.
Biren claimed that his administration would be based on development and compassion for fellow beings. The economic package of Rs 201 crore includes a market complex for women (Rs 10 crore), community hall of 3000 capacity, water supply projects, development of Siroy hill top as a tourist destination etc. Details may be obtained from TNL or the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) through the DC, Biren informed the gathering.
The Chief Minister announced that repairing of the major roads of Ukhrul town would be started from tomorrow itself. Observing that the development work of Imphal-Ukhrul road being handled by BRO is going on at a very slow pace, Biren expressed keen desire to hand over the same work to a private firm.
Siroy Lily festival would be celebrated at the State level for five days from May 5 and all the expenditures would be borne by the State Government. The festival would be jointly organised by the Tourism Department, the village authority and the body which used to organised the festival in the past. Ukhrul town is already illuminated by a high mast light and three more would be erected soon.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the TNL, the Chief Minister maintained that any group of people or community can express their aspirations and it is their right. The Government would work to fulfill all the aspirations to the maximum level. Moreover, the Government has its door open for negotiation regarding any aspirations or demands which are hard to fulfill.
He also advised all security forces including State police, army and paramilitary forces to always help civilians rather than harassing them in any manner. Regarding shortage of doctors, nurses, teachers and staff in district hospital, schools and Government offices, the Chief Minister promised that no Government official would be allowed to function from Imphal if they are posted in Ukhrul or any other district.
He also issued stern warning to all Government officials and staff saying that things would not be pleasant if they are found absent at their work places starting from tomorrow.
The Council of Ministers would visit Ukhrul frequently and people may avail these opportunities to highlight their grievances as well as aspirations.
“Just as the 15th day of every month has been declared as People’s Day, the 10th of every month would be set aside for CSOs of hill districts, village chiefs and village authorities who want to meet me”, Biren continued.
“I grew up as a football player and I used to play at this (TNL) ground. I would extend all possible assistance toward resuming Siroy Lily Cup”, Biren assured in a response to another memorandum submitted by Ukhrul DSA.
The Chief Minister also donated Rs 1.01 lakh to the Sirarakhong families whose houses have been damaged due to sinking of land. Ministers Th Biswajit, Letpao Haokip, L Dikho, N Kayisii, Karam Shyam, Th Shyamkumar, V Hangkhanlian, Nemcha Kipgen, Thokchom Radheshyam, Parliamentary Secretaries, Ukhrul ADC Chairman Dr Yaronsho Ngalung, Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, DGP LM Khaute and TNL president Weapon Zimik were also seated on the dais. While different groups presented gifts to the Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs, colourful cultural dances enthralled the VVIPs and the crowd alike.
Earlier, on the way to the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister and his entourage were accorded warm receptions at Yaingangpokpi, Litan, Lambui, Nungshangkhong and Hamleikhong.
Source: The Sangai Express
