Manipur Guv’, CM attend the 66th Plenary Meeting of the NEC

Imphal, May 30: Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today attended the 66th Plenary Meeting of the North Eastern Council at New Delhi. The Governor reiterated her suggestion on the ‘Flying Doctors’ or Air- Dispensary. She emphasised on a joint strategy for tourism for the entire NE region. She also advocated for allocation of funds to various states on the basis of relative backwardness rather than only on the basis of population and area. The latter two criteria do not favour Manipur. She also emphasised on the professional inputs to the handloom and handicraft development in the State. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, stated that insurgency is a problem in the region, but the national media does not report about positive things in Manipur. This affects the perception of the people outside Manipur. He also emphasised on the direct connectivity between Delhi and Imphal to improve investment climate in Manipur as well as tourism. He stated that one of the reasons for insurgency is that the people have been neglected in the past. If, instead of armed personnel, development machinery is sent, it will instil confidence in the people. He lamented that till today no good roads are existing to connect state capital with district HQs. He emphasised upon the human approach to development. He expressed his view that what is needed is employment and comprehensive development. He also appealed to the officers of the Government of India to visit the state and brief their Ministers and the Prime Minister about the potentials of the state. He also urged the Chief Ministers and the Governors to meet the Prime Minister jointly so that development rather than security solution to the north east can be re-emphasised. He also exhorted to all present to use their good offices to get the budget of the NEC increased from Rs. 925 crore so that worthwhile development projects could be taken up in the region.