Imphal, January 30 2009: MANIPUR CHIEF Minister Okram Ibobi said his government is taking up necessary steps to hold the autonomous district council election without delay.

Poll process of the district council is on, for this we are seeking people cooperation, Chief Minister said while delivering his speech during the 1st tribal cultural exchange program at the Tribal Research Institute auditorium, Chingmeirong on Friday.

The day long cultural exchange program was organized by All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) .

Ibobi also informed the gathering that a positive indication has been forwarded to his govern-ment for the establishment of a university for the hills.

The authority of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University had recently intimated the state government in this regard.

I hope the executive council of the concerned party (IGNTU) would take the necessary decision he said and added that besides his government is seriously considering taking up of several development projects in the hill districts.

Appreciating ATSUM's timely intervention of certain grievances of the students of the hill districts,Ibobi further informed that the state government is also presently developing the adequate infrastructure for the primary education in hills.

Expressing encoura-gement for organizing the first tribal cultural exchange program of state,CM hope that required fund would be earmarked in the annual budget of the Tribal development department for preserving various traditional and cultural activities of the tribal communities.

He also apologized for his untimely presence at the program due to his daughter's marriage ceremony today.

Manipur Tribal Develo-pment and Veterinary minister D D Thasii while speaking on the occasion said all the people of Manipur both valley and hill dwellers should unite in taking up the develop-mental projects in the region.

One shouldn blame another, we should establish unity through our different cultural activities, he opined.

Dr John Pulamte, President of ATSUM while addressing the exchange program said,We also feel that all 32 (plus) tribal communities of manipur deserved to have one special day so as to celebrate their past anf forge a stronger bond of unity and brotherhood for the future adding,We hope such program will make the people forget our minor differences in the past but enjoy and celebrate our rich cultural heritage together.

The student leader taking advantage of the presence of Chief Minister,also urged to take up their unfinished agenda including introduction of Rules for Manipur reservation of vacancies in post and services(ST/SC) amendment Act 2007,extension of service of contract basic teachers for a period of one year,opening of IGNTU regional campus and functioning of autonomous district council.

Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei,Hill Areas Committee Chairman Thangminlien Kipgen, Loli Adanee,a prominent poumai politician who contested Lok Sabha poll last time, Samson Ramei, President of United Naga Council, Kho John, advisor of ATSUM and other students leaders of various tribal communities attending the gathering have witnessed a number cultural dances performed by different tribal dance troupes.

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