IMPHAL, Dec 3 � Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today announced several developmental projects for Manipur and informed that the 1,500 MW Tipaimukh hydro electric project along the Manipur-Mizoram border will be executed. He added that the environmental clearance for the project has been granted and forest clearance is under progress.
The Prime Minister and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by four Union Ministers today visited the blockade-prone State and inaugurated four major government offices besides unveiling the foundation stone of the National Institute of Technology amidst the boycott and militants� general strike.
The newly inaugurated buildings are the City Convention Centre, Manipur Film Development Corporation Centre, Assembly Complex, High Court Building and Inter State Bus Terminus, all located in and around Imphal city.
Later addressing a public rally at the historic Kangla Fort around 2.45 pm, the Prime Minister said Manipur is a State with a lot of potential and promise. Hoping that the State will emerge as one of the best States in the country, Dr Manmohan Singh said, �Our government at the Centre in partnership with the State Government will do everything possible to make this happen.�
On the proposal of Rs 6,000 crore package to bail out the State for implementing the 6th Pay Commission recommendations to its employees and devolution of powers in autonomous district councils in hills, he assured, �the need and concern of Manipur will be duly taken care of.� Manipur�s plan outlay for the current year is Rs 3,210 crore which is more than three times the plan outlay in 2005-06.
Reacting to the recently concluded 100 days blockade he said though the economic blockades have now ended, it is incumbent upon all of us to deliberate about the efficacy of such acts.
�To my mind, there are no winners in such disruptive activities, there are only losers�, he added. �It is my hope that we will not see a repeat of such actions in the future.�
In her speech, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi also expressed concern over the recent 100 days blockades, but did not spell out any specific action on the issue.
The two leaders were accompanied by Salman Khurseed, Paban Singh Ghatowar, V Narayanasamy, Vincent Pala and AICC secretary Luizinho Faleiro during their visit which witnessed insurgent organisations� sponsored 14 hour general strike and subsequent boycott by other civil society organisations affecting normal life in the State.