Imphal: Chief MinisterN. Biren Singh laid the foundation stones for various projects at a programme held at Leitanpekpham Playground, Andro, Imphal East today. The projects included Manipur Road Project- Improvement of roads in and around Keithelmanbi, Tumukhong and Moirangpurel, Ima Market at Andro and Football Ground with Natural Grass at Andro.
The implementing agency for construction of Ima Market and Football Ground is Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited while that road improvement project is DRDA, Imphal East.
Speaking on the occasion,N. Biren Singh stated that the Government has to continue taking up development works for the welfare of the people, though the State is witnessing a tough phase of law and order situation. As such, the foundation stone laying programme is being organised, he added.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the root cause of the current conflict, stating the public were earlier confused before knowing the root cause of the same.
He also expressed deep sorrow on the loss of lives of people of both communities in the conflict. Stating that the Government has been putting all possible efforts to restore peace and normalcy, he sought support of the people in the Government’s initiative for the same.
On a memorandum submitted by students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya(KGBV), Andro N. Biren stated that the State Cabinet had taken decision to provide ex-gratia to the family of accident victims of Thambalnu Higher Secondary School, Yairipok and added that the same would be handed over soon. He also informed that the Government would consider the proposal for upgrading KGBV, Andro to Higher Secondary after consultation.
N. Biren also assured to look into the certain demands included in the memorandum put up by the locals of Andro, mentioning that the football ground with natural grass would be constructed with a cost of around Rs. 8.52 crore so that players from Andro could also join the footballers from Manipur who are representing in the Indian football team. He continued that the Government is constructing the Ima Market, Andro with a sanction amount of around Rs. 3 crore, considering the contributions of women vendors in the economy of the State.
Concluding his speech, the Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur not to take any step with emotions, rather cooperate in the Government’s initiative to restore peace and normalcy through democratic and constitutional means. He also stressed the need to preserve nature to mitigate environmental degradation.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, while addressing the gathering, stated that participation in large numbers by locals of Andro in the foundation laying programme had shown their confidence and trust in the current Government.
Speaking on the current conflict in the State, the Minister sighted the State Government’s initiative to preserve forest and nature, its effort to root out drug menace from the State and identification of illegal migrants as the real reason for the break out of the current unrest. Highlighting the order from the Union Home Ministry to identify illegal migrants in the State and investigation by National Investigation Agency to find out the root cause of the violence in the State, he maintained that the Central Government has much concern for the people of Manipur.
He continued that construction of Ima Markets was started in hill districts, considering its importance in the improvement of the economy. He also stressed the importance of good road infrastructure for economic development.
The Minister informed that a project for road construction of Imphal-Yairipok spanning around 26 km with a project cost of around Rs. 89 crore had been sent to Central Road Infrastructure Fund in 2022-23. However, the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways had not approved any project for that year. The State Government had included the same this year’s proposal as priority, he said, assuring that the road would be repaired once the proposal is approved.
He sought support of the people of the State in the Government’s effort to restore peace and normalcy.
During the programme, N. Biren Singh also handed over jobs cards and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Chairman, Manipur Tourism Corporation Limited Th. Shyamkumar, Chairman, Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Kh. Ibomcha, MLA of Wangoi AC Kh. Loken, MLA of Wangkhei AC Th. Arunkumar, Village Chief of Andro, senior Government Officials, students and public of Andro attended the programme among others.
