Diversity will be there but we are humans first, says Biren

Mao Cherry Blossom Festival to be integrated with Sangai Festival: CM 

IMPHAL | Nov 26

Politicians should refrain from playing politics at the cost of human lives because human life is precious, said chief minister N. Biren at the inaugural function of the 1st Cherry Blossom Festival held at Kayinu Village, Mao Gate, Senapati.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, N. Biren said that we follow different religions, cultures, traditions however we are all human beings after all. Mentioning the fateful incident that happened in 2010 at Mao gate and the previous misunderstandings among the communities in the State, he said we should not let it happen again in the future and we should stand united from the division created by politics and religions.

Biren announced that the Flower Festival cum Manipur Cherry Blossom Festival will be a part of the Manipur Sangai Festival from next year onward. He further stated that the government would construct permanent structures at Kayinu Village (Flower Festival Site) after discussions with architects, Mao council, organisers of Cherry Blosom Festival and tourism department.

He further stated that Union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari has already announced Rs. 25,000 crore for the construction of roads and highway expansion in the State.

Acknowledging the pains and sufferings of the Mao people for the search of market for selling their products, he announced that the government would construct Mao Market at the Lamphel market area at the cost of Rs. 1-2 crore soon.

 He further said that a transit accommodation would be constructed at Mao for the doctors and teachers who are being posted in the region. The transit accommodation would be constructed at the cost of Rs. 3 crore, he added.

 He further stated that a new transfer policy would be introduced from January 1, next year by the State government. Under this transfer policy, every employee would be posted at hilly areas for 2 years on a rotation basis, he added.

 He also announced that a water supply scheme to provide safe drinking water to the people of Mao would be constructed soon. And a Rain Water Harvesting scheme would be set up at Mao to resolve water scarcity problem during off season.

A total cost of Rs. 5 crore would be sanctioned for both the schemes, he added. Stating the importance of having the office of additional deputy commissioner of Senapati for smooth administration, chief minister stressed that the State government has earmarked a sum of Rs. 64 crore for the construction of the office and necessary infrastructure of the said office at the earliest.

Acknowledging Makhel as a historic place of the State, chief minister said that the government would set up a Heritage Centre at Makhel and Rs 1 crore would be sanctioned for the purpose for initial stage.

While delivering presidential address of the function, minister for PWD, commerce and industries, IPR Th. Biswajit said that Mao has certain peculiarities as it is the land rich of floriculture, horticulture and agriculture. Mao Potato is indeed famous across the State, he added.

Regarding improving better communication system in the State, minister said that the Bhartia Infra Projects Limited have been entrusted for the repair and construction of National Highways in the State and the work is going on full swing. The State government has already directed the Bhartia Infra to complete the said project within 2 years, he added.

Minister for forest and environment Th. Shyamkumar, minister for tribal and hills affairs, N. Kayasii, minister for art and culture, L. Jayantakumar Singh, minister for agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, minister for CAF & PD, Karam Shyam, minister for PHED Losii Dikho, deputy commissioner of Senapati Athem Muivah, president, Mao Council M. Dilli, director of IBSD Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, ADC members also attended the function.