Newmai News Network Imphal | May 6 “To bring equality in development is the first priority of the new government,” stated Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today addressing the press fraternity in Manipur. He said this at the reception cum inauguration of one day seminar on “Communal Harmony: Bridging the Gap” held today at Lamka Press Club, Churachandpur organised by Editors’ Guild, Manipur and Manipur Hills Journalists Union. It was sponsored by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations and supported by the District Administration, Churachandpur. Extending "deep sorrow" and condolences to the bereaved families of the nine civilians killed in the unfortunate incidents happened last year, Biren Singh said, “Let us forgive and forget our past mistakes and let us start a new beginning, a new Manipur without having any differences and hatred among the different communities living in the state.” He further said that the government seeks support and co-operation of the people to resolve the issue at the earliest. The Chief Minister said that the "differences among the communities are seriously affecting the day-to-day lives of the masses rather we should strive for progress and development in the state". He further said, “The government can’t concentrate only on problems and issues, it has also its principal responsibility to look after the people who are starving, youths who are longing to become successful ones.” He added that the government will have a special plan for each district and it would have a review meeting to monitor various developmental programmes taken up in Churachandpur and Pherzwal district soon. On the occasion, the Chief Minister assured that a new building of Lamka Press Club would be constructed soon. During the function, the Chief Minister also handed over the ex-gratia payment of Rs. 5 lakhs to each family member of the two labourers who were killed after militants attacked a General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) vehicle at Behiang along the India-Myammar border in Churachandpur district last month. In the technical session of the seminar, H. Doungel, Ramkung Pamei, Dr. Ibomcha, Sothing Shimray and Peter Adani delivered lectures as resource persons and was chaired by president, Editors’ Guild, Manipur, A. Mobi. Chairman, Hills Area Committee, T.T. Haokip, Parliamentary Secretary (MAHUD), N. Indrajit Singh, Parliamentary Secretary(Health and Family Welfare), S. Subhashchandra Singh, Parliamentary Secretary(IFCD) Lourembam Rameshwor, MLA (Singhat) Ginsuanhao, MLA (Thanlon) Vungzagin Valte, Commisioner, IPR, K. Radhakumar, Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, R. Sudhan, President, Manipur Hills Journalist Union, Sothing Shimray and President, Editor’s Guild, A. Mobi attended as guests of honour and president of the function.
