Newmai News Network Imphal | June 23 Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called upon all civil societies and all concerned to help his government in pursuing the Central government to ensure early start of session of the yet to be established National Sports University at the temporary centre in Khuman Lampak Spots Complex. “There is no question of negligence on the part of the Manipur government. It’s a gift from the Centre which has been satisfied with the performance of our talented sportspersons. The proposed Sports University is a future asset of Manipur,” Ibobi told a press conference at the cabinet hall of the CM’ Secretariat here. The Chief Minister’s statement came close on the heels of a missive from the Centre telling the state government to steer clear of any obstruction at the selected site for setting up of the sports varsity within June this year. “The Centre’s letter has turned out to be something which is against the expectation of my government. Hope the final hearing of the case currently pending in the court will be done and disposed of in the next two-three days,” Ibobi said. The Manipur government acquired land measuring 336 acre at Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district which has been provided to the Centre for the purpose. But 34 acre of land is currently under litigation, preventing the Centre from going ahead with the plan. As per the Centre’s instruction, there shall not be any disturbance at the allocated land. “The handing over and taking over of the acquired land was done in August 2015,” the Chief Minister said. Repairing and renovation of rooms for opening offices of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar have already been started at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex so that the university can commence its session there temporarily until the proper buildings are constructed. Ibobi said his government even attempted to acquire 400-500 acre of land for the varsity considering the need for future expansion. But the Centre’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has asked only 200 acre of land for the establishment of the varsity. He stressed on the need of help from the social organisations and other concerned in approaching the Centre to facilitate early commencement of the session at the temporary complex. The Manipur Chief Minister said the Parliament is yet to pass the bill concerning the proposed sports varsity to become it an Act. “We also need to put pressure on the Centre to do what is needful at the earliest.”
