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Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh during the launch of development projects, in Imphal, Friday, Jan 4, 2019. (PTI Photo) [/caption]
Lays foundation stones for four more projects in the state capital
Our Correspondent
Imphal Jan. 4 (EMN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated eight projects, including Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh and Dolaithabi Barrage Project at Maraori area during his visit to Manipur on Friday. He also laid foundation stones for four projects that include two flood lighting systems at Khuman Lampak sports complex in Imphal.
Addressing a public meeting after the inauguration and laying of foundation stones by using a remote-controlled device at the Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district, Modi highlighted the importance of the newly-inaugurated projects in the region, saying that his government is completing almost all the important projects on time not only in Manipur but also in other north-eastern states.
Stating that these projects are going to improve the lives of the people, he said the ICP at Moreh will facilitate custom clearance, foreign currency exchange, immigration clearance etc.
The government in Manipur is also marching forward with the monthly people's day and hill leaders’ day, he said. The upcoming Jiribam-Imphal rail project will help the development activities in the Northeast. Now, Manipur is moving forward not only in the development front but also in various other sectors, he added.
Praising the women’s movement in the state, he said Manipur has also been a front-runner in the field of women empowerment. While reminding that he has visited Northeast about thirty times in the last four-and-a-half years, he said the region is being transformed and projects stuck for decades are being completed.
He also watched a two-minute video on ICP and Dolaithabi project along with the chief minister of the state N Biren Singh, deputy CM Y Joykumar, cabinet ministers, assembly speaker Y Khemchand and state BJP chief Kh Bhabananda who were on the dais.
In his speech, Biren Singh highlighted the development projects taken up by the present government like introduction of health scheme for the poor, helicopter service, initiatives to control crime against women and use of drugs besides creating a bandh and blockade-free state. The PM visiting the state for the third within a short period shows his concern for the people, he felt.
Joykumar delivered the welcome address during the function.
Other newly inaugurated projects are FCI Food storage godown at Sawombung in Imphal East district, buffer water reservoir at Shirui village in Ukhrul district, improvement and upgradation of water supply for Churachandpur zone II in Churachandpur district, Eco-tourism complex at Thangal Suring in Kangpokpi district, integrated tourist destination at Tupul in Noney district, and water supply scheme at JNV Lambui in Ukhrul district.
Besides dedicating 400 kV double circuit Silchar-Imphal line, Modi also laid the foundation stones for infrastructure development of Dhanamanjuri University in Imphal and Astro turf football field at Langjing Achouba in Imphal West district.
Earlier on his arrival at the Imphal International airport at around 12.05 pm, the PM was received by the state’s CM, BJP state unit president, Rajya Sabha MP Kh Bhabananda and state chief secretary Dr Suresh Babu.
Meanwhile, the normal life of the people was affected in view of the total shutdown called by the Co-ordination Committee (CorCom), an umbrella of various valley-based armed groups, to boycott the visit of the PM. Armed and unarmed security personnel were deployed at several strategic locations in the state capital since early morning to thwart any untoward incident during Modi’s visit.