IMPHAL, May 13: Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam has made an appeal to organisations and individuals to stop all forms of extortion activities saying that it directly or indirectly effects developmental works.
Speaking at the reception and thanks-giving function of upgrading Longmai SDC office to Longmai SDO/TD block office, Gaikhangam stated that the O Ibobi led Congress party Government has been working to maintain a balance in development in hills and valley, adding that the Government has been proportionally distributing the developmental project in the two areas.
Gaikhangam claimed that due to frequent extortion and disturbances to the railway construction and other developmental works, many projects could not finish in time.
The Jiribam-Tupul railway project was supposed to complete in the year 2014, however due to frequent extortions and disturbances given by some anti social elements, the project could not finish till today, he said.
During last 15 years of Ibobi Goverment, Gaikhangam observed that Congress party led Government has constructed many office buildings, electricity sub-stations, water supply units and improved road connectivity in the hill districts.
In order to ensure smooth functioning in the Government offices in the hill districts, he said Mini Secretariats have been inaugurated in all districts except Churachandpur district.
The Deputy Chief Minister appealed the local people to cooperate with the officers and office staffs of Longmai SDO office to ensure smooth functioning of the office and assured provision of all necessary office infrastructures.
Gaikhangam observed that most of central developmental projects are taken up in Tamenglong district, saying that after completing this projects the district will become one of the most developed district in the State.
The Longmai SDO office will cover 10 villages/hamlets including Joulangtek village, Lamdangmei village, Charoichakotlong-I village, Charoichakotlong-II village, Longjang village, Bitlang village, Nungsai village, Dollang village Longmai village etc.
Hill Area Committee vice chairman Z Kikhonbou Newmei and MLA Janghemlung Panmei were attended as guests of honour.
The elected ADC members, surrounding village chairmans/chiefs, church and civil organisation leaders also participated in the programme.