Development of interior areas much for state’s development: Manipur CM

Imphal: Manipur government is focusing on Senapati district to create the environment for development of the state.
The district is strategically important as the national highway passes through the district Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said Wednesday while inaugurating Laii (Vafiimai) Day at Laii Village, Senapati.

The Chief Minister further highlighted developmental projects undertaken in the district including construction of Ima Market, stadiums, laying of astroturf for football, development of amusement park, foundation stone laying of youth centre for skill development of youth, etc.

We are working day and night, the Chief Minister said, adding that today we are able to provide potable water to atleast 70-80 percent in the district. Further calling on the people to be united and live together, the Manipur Chief Minister urged all to forgive and forget the past mistakes and instead move forward unitedly, local media reports said.

He also sought the people’s support to the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign and further appreciated the people of the district including the Poumai, Thangal, Mao, Maram, Liangmai for coming out voluntarily and pledging against poppy plantation and illegal drug business.

Explaining the ills of poppy plantation, the Chief Minister said it not only helps in production of drugs like opium but also destroys forest and environment. It causes massive deforestation, which is adversely affecting the climate, the Chief Minister said.

At the same time, the Manipur Chief Minister also lauded the Naga community for protecting and preserving the jungle cover in their areas.

Highlighting that the proposal for upgradation of the Laii-Tusom via Kharasom road to national highway status was not included in the proposal sent to the Centre earlier, the Chief minister said he would look into the demand for the upgradation. N. Biren Singh also assured to look into the other points included in the memorandum submitted by the villagers. He further applauded the people of the village for properly preserving their age-old tradition and culture.
Stressing on certain similarities between the Poumai and the Meitei, the Chief Minister also explained that he wants to fully understand these similarities.

He also explained the need to visit the interior villages and said the government has to understand the necessities and needs of its entire people including those living in the interior villages.

Highlighting the launching of the ‘Go to Hills’ and ‘Go to Village’ schemes in the earlier term, the Chief Minister said the government understands the difficulties of life in the far-flung villages.

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