Imphal, June 14: Fully endorsing the Governor's address to the House today, senior Congress leader and Commerce and Industries Minister Th Debendra delved deep into the contents of the address and observed that it contains all the issues relevant to Manipur presently.

Seconding the stand of Debendra, Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara said that the Governor's address has touched upon all the pressing issues and expressed regret that the past Union Government had given the shirt shrift to the interest of Manipur.

Giving the vote of thanks to the Governor's address, Th Debendra said that the address has commented on all the policies taken up by the Government and termed it as a document listing the policies of the Government.

Referring to the Governor's address read out on January 6 this year, Debendra said that promoting social harmony, completing developmental projects and ensuring equal growth for both the hills and the plain will become feasible with the coming of a stable Government as well as a peaceful climate conducive for economic growth.

Debendra said that with the SPF Government completing two years in office, stability has set in, but peace is still an elusive word.

The two National Highways, which are the backbone towards the march to economic progress are still being used by some vested interest to drive home their points, observed the senior Minister and added that the problem of insurgency too has dealt a crippling blow to the State on all fronts.

Stating that peace talk with only the NSCN (IM) cannot ensure peace in the North East region, Debendra said that the UPA Government at New Delhi has been sounded out on this front and added that the Centre has also been urged to announce a special package for Manipur.

On the pressing issue of the territorial integrity of Manipur, the Minister sagely observed that mere lip service will not do arid underlined the need to ensure equitable distribution of wealth and equal development of all parts of the State.

Admitting that there is still a lot to be done in the hill districts, Debendra said road communication and bridges have to be constructed in the hill districts.

It makes no sense to only build roads in some parts while neglecting the hill areas, he said.

It is because of the glaring lack of development in the hills that demands such as a separate Directorate of Education for the hills have been raised, said the Minister and added all these themes have been touched in the Governor's address to the House.

To help the State tide over the financial crisis, the Centre has been approached to release not only Rs 590 crores but also to earmark a handsome amount from the Non Lapsable Pool of Central Resources, said Debendra.

The Sericulture project will also receive a boost, he assured.

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