Governor of Manipur La Ganesan visited Nungbi Khullen, Ukhrul District and had a community level interaction with the people of Ukhrul district.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent.
Governor of Manipur La Ganesan on Tuesday said, “”There is an urgent need to restore law and order situation so as to completely remove the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the disturbed areas.”
He said this at the interaction programme with the community while making his maiden visit to Nungbi Khullen in Ukhrul district on Tuesday. The governor also referred to the recent initiative of the government of India in removing AFSPA from select areas in Manipur.
Tangkhul Frontal Organisation in a memorandum submitted to the governor had appealed for the withdrawal of Armed Forces Specail Powers Act (AFSPA) from all the hill areas/districts of Manipur and to exempt the entire Northeast region from the proposed compulsory imposition of Hindi.
The organisation also appealed for the improvement of road connectivity from Ukhrul to Jessami, utilization of human resources posted in Ukhrul, strengthening of educational institutions in the hills, improvement in internet service to harness full potential of the youth and to improve the banking facilities by opening more bank in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
Upon his arrival, the people of Nungbi Khullen and neighbouring villages along with the DLOs of Ukhrul gave a rousing welcome to the governor. He was accompanied by secretary to governor Bobby Waikhom; ADC to governor H Jonny Sharma; RMO to Governor Sh Amrita Singh, comptroller Raj Bhavan N Nilamani along with his entourage of 54 members including 29 security escorts.
Speaking at the interaction programme, La Ganesan also remarked that there are problems which are to be handled and solved at the local, state and central level. “I will surely put up your supplication to concerned authority”, he stated.
The governor sought cooperation from the people for development of Ukhrul district. He categorically stressed on the importance of Aadhar card for every citizen, opening of bank account for welfare schemes, covid vaccination and border fencing for national security. He said “”Every citizen of the country should have Aadhar card. There are some people deliberately claiming to be others and not enrolling for Aadhaar. Anybody roaming without Aadhaar, please kindly report to the concerned authority. The central government has introduced various welfare scheme for the people to be implemented by the state”.
He added that there is also an urgent need to fence the Indo-Myanmar border. “Just as you lock the door or gate, there is an urgent need to fence the border for greater security and safety. News of smuggling at the border areas is rampant, therefore to curb smugglers and other security issues, I urged you to cooperate with the government when they take up border fencing. Fencing the border does not mean our relationship with the neighbouring countries will be sealed or closed. But to let foreigners enter our land legally through proper channel and valid documents,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Krishna Kumar while delivering the welcome address stated that “this maiden visit by the governor of Manipur, La Ganesan will strengthen the bond between government and the public of Ukhrul district and pave the way for sustainable development for the coming generation.”
Cultural folk song and folk dances were performed by the villagers of Nungbi Khullen. The potters of Nungbi Khullen exhibited the making of famous “Nungbi Ham” the clay pottery. He also inspected the pots and crafts being displayed at the venue.
The Assam Rifles led the gathering with the national anthem. One of the interesting event of Tuesday’s programme was the “tug of war” between local residents and outsiders. The former won the game and fetched the prize sponsored by Raj Bhavan.
The programme was attended by SP of Ukhrul, Saujanya Singh, DFO Ukhrul, Shanngam Shaliwo, CEO of ADC-Ukhrul, David Kashungnao, ZEO of Ukhrul, RK. Makaohei Singh, Treasury Officer of Ukhrul, Ningreingam Shimrah and various heads of departments of Ukhrul District and Chiefs from neighbouring villages. As per information made available to this correspondent, the governor will proceed to Kamjong Headquarters on Wednesday.