Imphal, July 8 (IANS). Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited several places in Senapati district on Wednesday. He took stock of the ongoing development work there and interacted with residents and civil society organizations of the Naga-dominated hill district.
As part of the government’s efforts to ensure balanced development in the Imphal valley and hilly areas as well as to restore peace and normalcy in the state, the Chief Minister has been extensively touring Meitei, Kuki-Jo and Naga populated districts for the last few months.
During Wednesday’s visit, Khemchand Singh reviewed the implementation of several government projects and welfare schemes and interacted with members of Naga civil society organizations (CSOs) and the general public to understand their concerns and development priorities.
On reaching a government potato farm in Mao, the Chief Minister was met by Horticulture Commissioner T.N. Panmei informed that the department has not received sufficient funds for the last two years. As a result, the farm has been unable to maintain its previous production levels.
Referring to Mao’s favorable climate, Khemchand Singh said that the area is very suitable not only for potato cultivation but also for floriculture and many types of horticultural crops. He assured the local people that the government will hold talks with all concerned to resolve the problems and grievances of the residents of Mao area.
The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and senior Naga leader Losi Dikho, along with several MLAs and the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, later met representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) at the conference hall of the Mini Secretariat complex in Senapati town and discussed several issues related to the district.
Later, Khemchand Singh was warmly welcomed by representatives of Mao Council, Mao Students Union and government potato farm land owners at the ACI Auditorium in Punanami village. Addressing the people, the Chief Minister announced that the government has formally approved the construction of Rikharuri Multipurpose Dam. This mega project will provide drinking water to 27 nearby villages and will significantly improve water availability in the area.
During the welcome ceremony, the Mao Council and Poumai Naga Union (PNU) submitted separate memoranda to the Chief Minister, highlighting various development-related demands and concerns of the public. Mao Students Union had submitted a memorandum demanding the creation of a multipurpose skill training, trade and youth activity center in Mao. Responding to this, Khemchand Singh said that this proposal will be placed before the state cabinet for consideration.
Regarding implementation of the agreement reached with the owners of government potato farm land, the Chief Minister assured that the matter will be discussed with the concerned departments and officials to find the right solution.
During this visit, the Chief Minister was accompanied by MLAs Robindro Singh, Sheikh Noorul Hasan and J. Kumo Sha; Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar; Horticulture Commissioner T.N. Panmei; Senapati Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar S.; Nelson Yumnam, Director of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; Debabarta Sharma, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation; Chief Engineer of Water Resources Y. Homendro Singh; And Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) was present.
–IANS
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