Manipur CM N Biren Singh for better ties among NE States

ITANAGAR: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday called for fostering and strengthening ties between his State, Arunachal Pradesh and entire North East through cultural exchange programmes.

Attending the 52nd Central Solung festival Celebration of the Adi Community at Pasighat in East Siang district, he said that Arunachal and Manipur have rich culture and heritages manifested in the dances, songs and festivals of the various tribes and communities, which symbolizes the spirit of unity in diversity.

The Manipur Chief Minister said that Arunachal Pradesh is one of the fastest growing States of the country in terms of performance and development. He lauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his deep commitment, sincerity and hard work for development of the State. “Arunachal in two years has taken a giant step towards development which will be difficult for a State like Manipur to catch with such pace,” Singh said. Earlier, the Manipur CM also released the Solung Souvenir.

“We must continue such efforts for strengthening the ties of the sister States of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh in various areas,” Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said. The CM also termed the Adi Community as 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.

“In the coming days Centre will invest a lot for development of Pasighat as Smart City,” Khandu said and asked for proper planning to achieve the goal in targeted timeframe. He said, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, major incomplete works like ALG has been completed and many infrastructural and other developmental initiatives in connectivity, health and various sectors are under progress.