OSR/DIPR
Imphal, Mar 13 : Chief Minister N Biren Singh today said that a talk has begun with Kuki leaders and MLAs through Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei and some Naga MLAs who play the intermediary role.
He continued that the talk is being held under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to work out a solution to the over 10 months old crisis in Manipur.
The Chief Minister made the remark at the inauguration ceremony of the first water amusement park of Manipur at Thenguchingjin, Awangpotsangbam in Imphal East today.
Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony, N Biren said that the Government has started sending Naga MLAs and some representatives to meet the Kuki MLAs and their CSO leaders so as to sort out the difference and restore normalcy in the State.
Thousands of people have been displaced due to the protracted crisis, he said and added that the Government has been extending all possible help to inmates of the relief camps.
He continued that Rs 1,000 each has been given to inmates of the relief camps for the third time yesterday while Rs 18.60 crore had already been released for the farmers affected by the violence.
The Chief Minister maintained that the Government has also been giving Rs 100 (approx) daily to students at relief camps for their study expenses.
Stating that election campaigns will begin in full swing in Manipur soon, the Chief Minister added that expressing love for the motherland in speech only should be avoided.
Let's all work together to safeguard the indigenous people, he appealed.
Saying that a sense of oneness can be brought among the fellow Manipuris when there is uniform development in both the hill and valley districts, N Biren added that he had taken up many development programmes in both the hill and valley districts before the incident of May 3, 2023.
Saying that emotional attachment can be achieved only through development, the Chief Minister said that schemes like Go to Hills, Go to Village were taken up after much deliberations.
"There must be mutual respect among us," N Biren said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the Government has a plan to expand the amusement park by adding a trekking trail for children and a toy train.
He continued that nine more such amusement parks will be built at Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Noney, Senapati, Keirao at an estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore each.
Further, according to the Chief Minister, sites to construct a Unity Mall and a Convention Centre with a seating capacity of 2000 have been identified at Keikol in Imphal East.
He said that the Unity Mall will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 146 crore and it will showcase the identity of different communities.
The Chief Minister went on to state that the Koirengei to Sekmai road stretch will be expanded.
N Biren also advocated gathering of fellow Meiteis at Laibung once a week.
The Chief Minister emphasised strongly on the need to be very cautious while speaking on TV or other platforms.
Saying that illegal immigrants are only those who came to Manipur after 1961, the Chief Minister said that Manipur is a very sensitive land.
He also stressed on the steps taken up by the Government to provide relief to those affected by the unfortunate turn of events in Manipur such as the construction of prefabricated houses, provision of compensatory package to affected farmers, individual financial assistance, provision of books, uniform and other stationery for students.
Emphasizing that the people need not stress too much, the Chief Minister said that the Government is putting all efforts to bring back peace in the State.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, on the other hand, said that the Chief Minister hasn't left any stone unturned in developing the economic situation of the State.
There can be economic growth only when there is peace in the State, he added.
Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, in his brief speech, thanked the Chief Minister for taking up different developmental projects across the State.
The function was also attended by Ministers Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh among others.