Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday visited several locations across Senapati district to review ongoing development projects and interact with residents and civil society organisations in the Naga-dominated hill district.
As part of the government's efforts to ensure balanced development across the Imphal Valley and the hill regions, while simultaneously restoring peace and normalcy in the state, the chief minister has, over the past several months, been undertaking extensive tours of Meitei-, Kuki-Zo-, and Naga-inhabited districts.
During Wednesday's visit, Khemchand Singh reviewed the implementation of various government projects and welfare initiatives and held interactions with members of Naga Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the public to understand their concerns and developmental priorities.
On his arrival at a government potato farm in Mao, the chief minister was briefed by Commissioner of Horticulture T.N. Panmei, who informed him that the department had not received adequate funding over the past two years. As a result, the farm has been unable to maintain its earlier level of production.
Referring to Mao's favourable climatic conditions, Khemchand Singh observed that the region is ideally suited not only for potato cultivation but also for floriculture and a wide range of horticultural crops. He assured the local people that the government would hold consultations with all stakeholders to address the issues and grievances faced by residents of the Mao area.
The chief minister, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and senior Naga leader Losii Dikho, several legislators 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 various issues concerning the district.
Later, Khemchand Singh was accorded a warm reception at the ACI Auditorium in Punanamei village by representatives of the Mao Council, Mao Students' Union and landowners of the government potato farm. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister announced that the government has formally approved the construction of the Rikhruri Multipurpose Dam.
This major project would provide drinking water to 27 surrounding villages and significantly improve water availability in the region. During the reception programme, the Mao Council and the Poumai Naga Union (PNU) submitted separate memorandums to the chief minister highlighting various developmental demands and public concerns.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Mao Students' Union seeking the establishment of a Multipurpose Skill Training, Trade and Youth Activity Centre at Mao, Khemchand Singh said the proposal would be placed before the state Cabinet for consideration.
Regarding the implementation of an agreement with the landowners of the government potato farm, the chief minister assured that the matter would be discussed with the relevant departments and officials to find an appropriate solution.
The chief minister was accompanied during the visit by MLAs Robindro Singh, Sheikh Noorul Hassan and J. Kumo Sha; Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar; Commissioner of Horticulture T.N. Panmei; Senapati Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar S.; Director of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nelson Yumnam; Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Devabarta Sharma; Chief Engineer of Water Resources Y. Homendro Singh; and the Chief Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).