Mocking the chief minister’s pet initiative, some of the placards read “Stop the drama ‘Go to the Hills’”, “Stop rhetoric and hegemony form of governance” and “Don’t go to Hills to exploit them”. One of the placards question “Go to the Hills for WHAT”
TFM News Service
Chief Minister N Biren Singh was shown black flags allegedly by the student community in Churachanpur district over Hill Areas Committee’s draft Autonomous District Council Bill 2021 and recent Speaker’s order inducting eight non-tribal MLAs in Hill Area Committee of the Legislative Assembly.
The chief minister visited the district to embark on his pet initiative ‘Go to Hills 2.0’ campaign. Launching the campaign formally at a function held at Tuibong’s Peace Ground in Churachandpur, the chief minister inaugurated more than 30 projects, laid the foundation stone of many others, announced new and ongoing projects and distributed benefits under different schemes, an official source said.
However, rolling out of the chief minister’s ‘Go to Hills 2.0’ campaign was greeted with black flags. A large number of students were seen standing on the roadside holding black flags, placards and banners. Mocking the chief minister’s pet initiative, some of the placards read “Stop the drama ‘Go to the Hills’”, “Stop rhetoric and hegemony form of governance” and “Don’t go to Hills to exploit them”. One of the placards questioned “Go to the Hills for WHAT”.
The protesters held a banner which said “Article 371-C is the ambassador for Hills & Valleys Relationship. Honour it.” And another banner read “We stand against the Unconstitutional inclusion of Valley MLAs in HAC. We want HAC amendment Act 2021 passed”.
According to the official source, while addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the primary objective of the Go to Hills 2.0 is to deliver the welfare schemes under different departments such as PMAY, CMHT, PMJAY, livelihood support scheme affected by COVID-19 etc to the beneficiaries. He said that the government would identify the eligible and deserving beneficiaries of various schemes and all the government services will be delivered at their doorsteps.
Clarifying the issue of Article 371C of Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister assured the people that the State government is committed to protect and uphold the spirit of the Constitution of India, said the official source. “No single point will be affected enshrined under Article 371C and the government will protect and provide the autonomy of the hills,” he said.
He said that false propagandas, which affects the unity and integrity of the State, should be avoided. He urged the people of hill districts not to have any apprehension regarding Article 371C. The Chief Minister exhorted the people of Manipur to stand together for a united Manipur and protect the integrity of the State.
Prior to his arrival at district headquarters, N Biren Singh visited Singhat sub-divisional headquarters in a helicopter and inaugurated a 30-bedded Special Block of CHC, Singhat. He also handed over an ambulance to the CHC authority, said the official source.
Later, he proceeded to Churachandpur District headquarters in the same helicopter and inaugurated a Trauma Care Centre and a PSA Oxygen Plant of 500 LPM at District Hospital, Churachandpur. He also handed over an ambulance to the hospital authority, it added.