Imphal, February 18: A public meeting highlighting alleged State Govt negligence towards renovation of Moirang Keithel was held at Moirang Khamnu Keithel today with several members of public.

Ministers concerned and Local MLAs taking part in the discussion.

Among others MAHUD Minister L Nandakumar, IFC Minister N Mangi, Thanga assembly constituency MLA Salam Ibohal, Moirang MLA Salam Gopal, Moirang Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson M Phulchand and representatives of All Moirang Bazar Keithel Phambi Ima Lup took part in the discussion.

Deploring that inspite of the MAHUD Minister laying the foundation for construction of a new market complex on December 19, 2002 under the IDSMT fund construction activities are yet to begin, said Lup joint secretary M Sobita.

She also accused MMC of misusing funds collected from the public for repairing and maintenance of the Moirang bazar areas adding other than initial construction of Khamnu Bazar no further activities could be witnessed.

Countering the charges, the MAHUD Minister said out of 11 towns identified for renovation under the IDSMT fund first phase amount of Rs 24 lakhs has been released to carry out necessary work at Moirang Bazar and the same amount has been used in construction of commercial stalls in the same area.

He, however, hastened to add that due to financial constraints faced by Manipur Govt State share of Rs 16 lakhs could not be released resulting in cessation of construction activities.

Assuring that State Govt would be appraised to release funds earmarked for the constructions, Nandakumar highlighted necessities of producing utilization certificate to the Union Ministry of Urban Development so that second phase of the funding could be released by the Centre.

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