Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 23:
Reacting to the 24 hour general strike called by the Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Project (ACTIP), Chief Minister O Ibobi has said that the State Government as well as the Union Government would not do anything harmful to Manipur and its people.
He noted that there is still time to discuss and analyse the pros and cons of the project at a proper place instead of calling general strike as if many have already been flooded by the Tipaimukh dam.
Speaking at a reception function of the newly elected IMC councillors today at Kangabam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi ground organised by the Sagolband Block Congress Committee with some other organisations, the Chief Minister disclosed that the State Government has been urging the Union Ministry concerned to take up the project.
Noting that the general strike called against the project expected to produce 1500 MW of power sounds as if the project would submerge Manipur today or tomorrow, needs reconsideration, he appealed to all concerned not to suppose such a project without undertaking a detailed study of the proposed project.
As for the Loktak Downstream Project, during the recent meeting the Power Minister has agreed that the State and the Centre would jointly take up the venture and the power generated from the project would be shared equally, Ibobi conveyed.
Observing that failure to provide jobs to educated youths is the biggest challenge to the Govt, he noted that to keep up the good health of the youths is a basic ingredient of a welfare State.
The CM also called for an atmosphere conducive to development.
The ceremony presided by MPCC president Gaikhangam was also attended by a other Congress Ministers and MLAs.