Manipur CM calls for cultural exchange to strengthen ties

PASIGHAT, Sep 11: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh called for strengthening the ties between Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh through promotion of cultural exchange.
“Arunachal and Manipur have a rich culture and heritage manifested in the dances, songs and festivals of the various tribes and communities, which symbolize the spirit of unity in diversity,” Singh said, addressing the 52nd Central Solung celebration of the Adi community at Giidi-Notko here on Monday.
He invited cultural troupes from Arunachal to participate in the upcoming Sangai Festival in Manipur, and also extended invitation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his team.
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the fastest growing states of the country in terms of performance and development, Singh said, and lauded Pema for his commitment and hard work for the development of the state. “Arunachal in two years has taken giant step towards development, and it would be difficult for a state like Manipur to catch up with such pace,” he said.
Earlier, the Manipur CM released the Solung souvenir.
Pema in his address said, “Adi is one of the most progressive tribes of the state and educationally advanced as the rays of education reached the Adi belt earlier, which is a matter of pride in a state which has been a late starter in the education sector.”
Speaking on the development front, Pema said that in the coming days the central government would be investing a lot for the development of Pasighat as a smart city. He called for proper planning to achieve the goal of smart city within the targeted timeframe.
“While a major work like the Pasighat ALG has been completed, many infrastructural and other developmental initiatives in connectivity, health, and various sectors are under progress,” he said.
The CM condemned the bandh culture, saying it creates lots of hardship for the common people.
“Precious lives are lost as emergency patients are unable to get medical care on time during bandh,” he said.
“Creating law and order problem is not a solution,” Pema said, and called for debate and constructive methods.
He said the state government has undertaken various initiatives and reforms to bring transparency and accountability, and also referred to the government’s decision to recruit through the Staff Selection Board.
Pema also stressed on zero tolerance for corruption.
He thanked the Manipur CM, Deputy Speaker K Robindro Singh, MLAs and other guests from Manipur for joining the Solung festivities.
Stating that this was the maiden visit of the Manipur CM to the state, Pema called for continuing such efforts for strengthening the ties between the two sister states.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein recalled the pioneers of the society who contributed immensely for the development of the century-old town of Pasighat. (DIPRO)