Refrain from land disputes, exhorts Ibobi

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL, April 19: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on Saturday reiterated that his government has never neglected the hill areas in the developmental works. He claimed that the hill and valley areas are given equal thrust in the overall development. He was speaking on the occasion of the iuguration of new office buildings of the BDO integrated infrastructure complex, police station, bank at Island sub divisiol headquarters in Sepati district.

Ibobi who was the chief guest of the function said that in the past there was a chasm  between the hills and the valley in the development works. However his government had gained considerable grounds in rrowing the gap. He disclosed that during the tenure of the first term of his ministry there were many hamstringing problems including the gap in developmental works and fince. However he could overcome most of the problems during the second tenure.

He also said that there have been reports of land disputes here and there. Though the people have ownership deeds the actual owner of the land is the government. That is why people are paying taxes to the govenment. He appealed to the people to stop having land disputes and live in peace and harmony. When a man deies he is not going to take any land with him, he said.

Referring to the new BDO office Ibobi said that it is intended to give inclusive infrastructure and said that such facilities shall be extended to other districts. Rs 300 crore is set aside and Rs 12 crore each will be spent for the new  offices. The Sepati district BDO office will cover 57 villages and will be of immense help to the villagers. Another BDO office was also iugurated recently at Machi in Chandel district. Ibobi said that it is a fact that most of the government employees are reluctant to go to far off places since there is a problem of accommodation. His government is giving priority to it. Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam Gangmei said that the Congress government has done many spectacular things for the people. However there is disinformation spread by some persons who have hidden agenda. These sections should stop airing the complaint of the hill areas being neglected by the government. The government has been giving equal emphasis on the overall development of the hill areas, he claimed. Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Parliamentary secretary Victor Keishing and MLAs Yamthang Haokip and  Thouojam Shyamkumar were present in the function as chief guests. Village chieftains, government officials, students and other public leaders were present. Several memoranda were submitted to the chief minister regarding various demands.