Imphal, September 11: Taking cognisance of the important role to be played by civil societies and other voluntary organisations in developing National Highways passing through Manipur, especially National Highway 53, a Highway Development Council (HDC) has been set up during a joint meeting convened by HERICOUN, UPF and IPSA at Hotel Mass here today.

The meeting attended by representatives of a large number of civil societies, voluntary organisations, Meira paibis, intellectuals, academicians, transporters, drivers and other technical experts related to development of road and transportation also unanimously appointed HERICOUN secretary L Ratankumar as the convenor of the newly formed Council.

Apart from enrolling people belonging to various works of life as members, the meeting further resolved to urge the village chiefs and headmen of the villages situated along the said National Highway to become members of the Council.

It was also decided to organise a field visit to over see the required development works on the National Highway along with media persons, technical experts, transporters, etc from September 21.Subsequently, the HDC would be preparing a detailed report and submit the same to the authorities concerned including the Government of Manipur, Government of India, their agencies and authorities of BRTF and BRO for doing the needful to develop NH-53.UPF president Yumnam Devadutta and HERICOUN assistant general secretary Mutum Churamani were presidium members of the meeting.

Social worker Salam Kamalkishore, editor of Freedom and UCM advisor RK Ranendrajit, Kabui Mothers� Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei, All Manipur Truck Owners� Association president Y Lokeshor, All Manipur Muslim Organisation Co-ordinating Committee vice president Alam Azad were among those who addressed the meeting.