‘Popular Govt likely soon’

IMPHAL, Jul 13 : Keirao AC MLA L Rameshwor has stated that a popular Government may be installed in Manipur before the upcoming Parliament session  which is set to  commence from July 21.
He made the statement while attending the felicitation ceremony of athletes of Kanglei Sports Academy who competed in various Karate Championships as chief guest at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong Community Hall.
Addressing the function, the MLA said that the imposition of President's Rule has to be reviewed every six months, with extensions requiring repeated approvals.
Saying that most of the roads and other infrastructure in Manipur are in pretty bad shape, he added that while neighbouring States received Rs 2000-3,000 crore from the Centre for infrastructure, Manipur only received Rs 600-700 crore.
He also said that there is a trend of hindering the implementation of develop- mental projects, such as filing cases on issuance of tenders for road projects, and termed it unfortunate.
With regard to the Manipur crisis, he prayed for peace so that the displaced people can return to their original places
The MLA, meanwhile, said that alcoholism is a major issue besetting Meetei society, and the culture of drinking at every social and cultural event needs to be checked.
Rameshwor continued that the Meetei population has been declining over the years.
What is more concerning is that alcoholism has become part and parcel of weddings, weaning ceremonies, feasts, and other social and cultural events, he said, adding that this drinking culture needs to be checked.
Acknowledging that the sale and consumption of liquor cannot be stopped by anyone, he expressed concern that many people, however, start drinking in the morning whenever there are cultural or social events to attend to.
Clarifying that he doesn't mean complete ban of liquor, he, however, emphasized that efforts should still be made to curb its excessive consumption.
He also said that the effects of alcohol consump- tion on a person's facial appearance are more visible among the Meeteis than in any other community.
Saying that the future of Meiteis will be uncertain if alcoholism  is passed down to the coming generations, Rameshwor appealed to all local clubs, Meira Paibi organizations, etc to check the culture of drinking during social or cultural events.