Newmai News Network Imphal | July 22 Manipur Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister, Shyamkumar has appealed to the public to trust the Manipur government and give time to clear the issues regarding the Naga Framework Agreement and the ongoing impasse on the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University. He said the State government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh is taking the opinions of the public seriously. All the issues will be sorted out by the government taking into consideration the opinion of all the communities, for which patience is needed, the minister stated, adding Government will never act against the sentiments of the public. He was speaking on the conclusion programme of the 11th State Level Pineapple Festival Cum Sellers & Buyers Meet and Youth Festival 2018 today at the Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat Lamkhai, Andro assembly constituency. Speaking on the introduction of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018 in the State Assembly, he said the health conditions of the public especially the youths are severely affected by the consumption of sub-standard liquor/alcohol and those imported from the neighbouring states. He said the government introduced the bill in view of the welfare of the public so that sub-standard liquor/alcohol can be controlled in the State. Minister Shyamkumar also appealed to the public to take out drive to entirely wipe out tobacco products from every nook and corner of the State which is a major cause for increasing cancer cases. He opined that banning of tobacco products from the State will improve the health condition of the people and asked the people to focus for development for self and progress of the State. He said the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department in collaboration with the Tourism Department is working for better production of fruits and crops to boost tourism as well as the economy of the State. With the funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC), the departments have been successfully organising various festivals like Ginger Festival, Orange Festival, Lemon Festival, Garlic Festival, Barak Festival. He also informed the gathering that the Department signed a deal with the Gurgaon based company - NE Arora for procurement of organic pineapples from the State which will be exported by flight service. The company will procure 1 tonne organic pineapples, he added. P. Saratchandra Singh, Chief Whip, Advisor to CM and MLA Moirang AC, spoke on the importance of business principles and opined that businessmen/women must guide the customers truthfully for their benefits. When the customers are treated as the top priority then the business will definitely flourish, he added. He also advised the people of the locality to work hard in order to make the place as a business centre in coming years. L. Susindro Meitei, MLA Khurai assembly constituency appreciated and lauded Minister Th. Shyamkumar, who is also the local MLA, for his developmental works including the success of Government schools in the Andro Assembly constituency. He said his success story should be implemented by the elected leaders in other constituencies too. He appealed to the public to bear patience so that Government can take more developmental works for the welfare of the State and also added that all comments including negative ones are welcomed by the Government. O Lukhoi Singh, Vice Chairman MIDA, MLA Wangoi AC said the pineapple festival is a reminder to all that we should not depend only on the Government for taking up any initiative. As the State does not have big factories and other infrastructures, he said people should start working at their own for self sustaining and self sufficiency. Opining that the festival will help in boosting tourism and economy of the people, he advised that other suitable fruits/crops in the area can be included in the festival next year which will not only promote the farmers but also help economically to them. Radhakishore Singh, Chairman MPCB, MLA Oinam AC in his presidential speech said as many State departments are lagging behind in reaching out to the people, the ‘Go To Village Mission’ under the initiative of the Government is helping to bridge the gap between the Government and the public and also providing benefits of various departments directly to them without any division among the party or place. Stating that all the issues can be sorted out by the Government if the people trust and give time, he said the leaders are fully committed for the welfare of the public. Focusing on importance of inculcating work culture by the people to lead a disciplined life, he said we should preserve the age old culture and traditions for the future generations.
