IMPHAL, Jan 28 � Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has appealed for the safe release of three railway workers who were abducted from a railway construction site in Tamenglong district.
Referring to the recent abduction of three workers engaged in the 111 km Imphal-Tupul-Jiribam railway line construction from a place near Awangkhul village in the hill district, Ibobi has sought help and cooperation in implementing development projects in the State.
The Chief Minister made the appeal while addressing the 100th birth anniversary celebration of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu at the Manipur Film Development Corporation auditorium at Palace Gate here on Wednesday.
Imphal-Tupul- Jiribam railway line, which is estimated to cost Rs 5,996 crore, is targeted to be completed by 2018, while the 84 km Jiribam-Tupul sector is targeted for completion by December 2016. The rail line, declared as a national project is among the 34 railway construction works across the country.
There are reports that the companies including Coastal Projects Limited engaged in the construction works, have decided to suspend their works until security is provided for the safety of its workers and officials.
Informing that the State Government is planning to develop and expand the highways till Kalemyo township of neighbouring Myanmar, he assured that the government will extend all possible help for the project.
The birth anniversary of the noted freedom fighter of the region was organised by Kabui Mothers Association.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said it was a great pride for the people that the Government of India had released coins of Rs 100 and Rs 5 depicting Rani Gaidinliu thereby acknowledging her contribution in the freedom struggle.
Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray, Planning and Development Authority chairman and MLA Tongbram Mangibabu, MLAs TN Haokip, Y Surchandra, KAMA�s president Kakomliu Kamei and others also attended the day�s birth anniversary observation.
