While claiming that the State Government has been working at its best level to restore normalcy at Churachandpur, Chief Minister N Biren has called upon all the people to herald a new beginning.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Communal Harmony: Bridging the Gap’ held today at Lamka Press Club, Churachandpur district headquarters under the aegis of Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU).
“We know you are fatigued and we, as politicians, are ashamed of it. I would like to convey solidarity to the people particularly families of those dead persons whose last rites are yet to be performed”, Biren stated.
The Government has been working hard to resolve the impasse and the JAC Against the Anti-Tribal Bills has been cooperating. The Government has been making all efforts to ensure that all the denizens of Churachandpur enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Constitution of India, said the Chief Minister.
“In the meantime, let us herald a new beginning for a new Manipur free from conflicts and animosity”, Biren appealed.
He categorically stated that there is no reason to allow conflicts and misunderstandings to grow among different communities of the State.
“The primary challenge as the Chief Minister of the State is to reverse the trend of communal polarisation because such divisions are pervasive and affect every individual”, Biren asserted.
Manipur is like a mini-India which is inhabited by around 37 tribal ethnic groups. In the same vein, Churachandpur is inhabited by different communities.
“If we don’t have the courage to forget and forgive each other, offering prayers to God does not serve any purpose”, he continued. He also conveyed regret for the untoward incidents that took place in the past. District-wise review of development works told a very sorry tale of Tamenglong district.
As for the incumbent Government, uniform development is the first priority.
After Tamenglong, the Government would review the development statuses of Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts. District-specific development projects would be formulated and implemented.
The Chief Minister also conveyed gratitude to the EGM and the MHJU for organising such a seminar. He further exuded confidence that media can bridge whatever communication gap that exist among different communities.
He announced that construction of a new building for Lamka Press Club would be started soon.
With regard to memorandums submitted by different organisations, Biren assured that he would give written reply after consultation with officials concerned .
The Chief Minister also handed over ex-gratia of Rs five lakh each to the families of water tanker driver Lallianmang (40) and helper Ginlam Khaute who were killed when militants attacked BRO near Behiang close to Myanmar border on April 29.
The seminar was sponsored by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations and supported by Churachandpur district administration.
Agriculture and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Minister V Hangkhanlian, Hill Areas Committee Chairman TT Haokip, MLAs Vungzagin Valte, Ginsuanhau, N Indrajit, L Rameshore, S Subhashchandra and IPR Commissioner K Radhakumar too attended the opening session of the seminar.
Later during the technical session chaired by EGM president A Mobi, MHJU president Sothing Shimray, members H Doungel, Ramkung Pamei, Peter Adani and Dr A Ibomcha presented papers.
Source: The Sangai Express
