Newmai News Network Ukhrul | April 11 Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today announced that the government has sanctioned Rs 201 crore for development programmes for Ukhrul. Biren was speaking during a reception at Tangkul Naga Long Ground, Ukhrul town – his first visit after taking charge of the state as Chief Minister. During his speech, the chief minister stressed on mending “damaged relationships” between different communities and restoring the “lost” trust in one another. “Hopefully this can happen if we forgive,” Biren stated. Viewing that religion and politics were the main factors that created feelings of hatred between different groups in the state, the Biren called for rebuilding trust. “We shall be in danger of losing our hope for development if we do not work towards rebuilding trust and show love for each other,” he warned. He also urged the people of Ukhrul to start re-celebrating Shirui Lily festival on May 5 every year at the Shirui Hill and Tangkhul Naga Long Ground. The Chief Minister assured all help from the government in fulfilling the aim of reviving and organising the festival as a state level event. Besides construction of an Ima Market (women’s market) at Ukhrul headquarters at the cost of Rs 10 crore, improvement work on Ukhrul town road will begin from tomorrow, Biren announced. He sent out a stern warning of tough action against “dishonest” government employees "who refuse" to go to their respective places of posting, especially in the hills. The chief minister also announced that he will meet leaders of NGOs and village chiefs of hill districts on the 10th of each month.
