Imphal, October 18, 2021 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh has said that the so-called hill-valley divide will cease on its own when there is no disparity in development between hill and valley.
He made the observation while taking part at an interactive session held as part of a conclave organised by People’s Campaign for Resurgent Manipur on the topic, ‘Idea of Manipur towards a life with dignity’ at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal today.
The Chief Minister said that the new Government initiated ‘Go to Hills’ and ‘Go to Village’ missions in order to bring egalitarian development across the State. The Chief Minister said that his Government had been able to gain the confidence of the masses with the introduction of Meeyamgi Numit, Hill Leaders’ Day and many other people-friendly welfare programmes.
Observing that the hill-valley divide is due to past flaws in the system, the Chief Minister said that the legislations detrimental to the oneness and integrity of the State were not resisted on time. Stating that there has been considerable change in the mindset of the hill people ever since the new Government came to power, the Chief Minister informed that he had been told that around 1500 students had come to Imphal from Mao alone for higher studies during the past one year.
With the coming of new Government in the State and at the Centre, the topographical need based budget had been introduced, he said. Accordingly, Hill Area Development Fund had been introduced, he said while adding that Tamenglong district had been included among 82 districts of the country which would be benefitted under the newly introduced fund.
Speaking on the weakness of the current generation, the Chief Minister opined that people tend to take diverse steps instead of focussing on the main agenda which would be fruitful in resolving the issue at hand.
MLAs Shri Oinam Lukhoi and Heikham Dingo, former Chief Minister Shri Radhabinod Koijam and former MLA Shri Ng. Bijoy were also present at the conclave among others. (DIPR)