Khemchand advocates inclusive development at Spt

By Our Staff Reporter
SENAPATI, Apr 10: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has asserted that uniform development and high per capita income will bring mutual understanding and harmony among the different communities of Manipur.
Just days after travelling to Jiribam by road, Chief Minister Y Khemchand today travelled to Senapati through Kangpokpi by road and laid foundation stones of many projects in addition to inaugurating completed ones.  
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLAs Awangbow Newmai, Tong-bram Robindro Singh and J Kumo Sha.
They were accorded a warm reception by civil organisations of Senapati district including people of Senapati district, led by Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Women’s Association (SD-WA), Senapati District Students’ Association (SD-SA), other civil society organisations and tribal representatives at the Multi- purpose Hall in Senapati headquarters.  
The gathering began with a solemn prayer led by Fr Dr William Nepuni, Principal of St Xavier College, Maram Khunou, to honour the two young lives lost in the recent Tronglaobi blast in Bishnupur district.
A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the two beautiful kids initiated by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh hailed the civil society organisations of Senapati, Mao and Kangpokpi for their unwavering support to the Government’s initiative to restore peace and normalcy, after the State had been hit hard by the unprecedented conflict.
He maintained that his visit to Senapati district by road today was made possible only with their support and cooperation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister  emphasized the need for balanced and inclusive development across the State, saying that Manipur cannot progress unless all districts are developed alongside the capital city, Imphal.
He stated that uniform development and high per capita income across the State would lead to mutual understanding and harmony among communities inhabiting the State.
“The territorial integrity of Manipur has all along been safeguarded by the 36 communities inhabiting  the State since time immemorial. Thus, Manipur is considered a mini India” he added.
“First we are Indian and then we are Manipuri. We all should work together as Manipuri and take our State to a new height of development”, Khemchand stated.
The Chief Minister recalled the advocacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had envisioned that India cannot develop unless North East India is developed.
He said that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) was established during the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister.
While responding to a memorandum submitted by the NPO to establish a Medical College in the district, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that he would take up and discuss the matter in the next Cabinet meeting.
On the improvement of the sewerage system in the district, the Chief Minister directed Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who holds the portfolio of Public Health Engineering Department, to prepare a DPR for the same.
Regarding relocation of the Senapati police station, as the current location is congested and people have raised concerns, the Chief Minister said that the matter will be examined and necessary action will be taken.
Regarding the proposal for development of Barak Festival site, Khemchand informed that he will consult with the Tourism Department and the concerned stakeholders to chalk out a plan for development of the festival site as desired.
As a part of the reception ceremony, the Chief Minister inaugurated Multi-Level Parking-Inter State and District Agricultural and Economic Transportation Hub in Senapati Bazar, 10 units of Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs) under PM-JANMAN in PVTG area of Maram Tribe (Naojai, Khabaduikung, Sadim Rangalong, Maram Khongnem/Khongnem, Ngatan, Taklung, Sangkumei, Sangkunglung, Willong Khunou and Kamalung), PHSC building at Pudanamei and 3D Digital Dental Laboratory under PM-DeVine.
He also laid foundation stones for the construction of 69 Anganwadi Centre buildings, installation of flood lighting at Senapati public turf ground, construction of additional classrooms in 15 ADC schools, 30 toilets, 22 water reservoirs, 10 community halls, five wayside amenities and infrastructure for solid waste management at 14 locations/ villages.
Deputy CM Losii Dikho, while addressing the gathering, commended the residents of Senapati consisting of five tribes- Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Zeliangrong for their exemplary role as a peace-loving people.
The reception featured a folk song presented by Mom’s In Touch and special songs were presented by local artistes.
The programme was also attended by various high ranking civil and police officials including officials of the district administration Senapati, CSOs, village chairmen and secretaries, teachers and students.