Imphal, July 01: Endorsing the idea that peace has been eluding Moreh because of lack of development and economic stagnancy, Chief Minister O Ibobi today floated the idea of upgrading the border town to the status of a Municipality which would pave the way for development and prosperity and ultimately usher in a climate of peace at the border town.

Community leaders drawn from different section of society of the border town today met the Chief Minister at his official bungalow today to discuss the law and order situation at the border town as well as the means to usher in development there.

With the peace rally staged at Moreh on June 25 as the background, the community leaders discussed the means and ways to usher in peace and during the course of the meeting, the Chief Minister mooted the idea of upgrading the border town to the status of a Municipality.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting with the Chief Minister, president of Hill Tribal Council, Jalumang Haokip said that the Chief Minister was told in no uncertain terms that development is necessary for peace at Moreh and urged him to ensure power supply 24 hours a day, given the hot climate at Moreh.

�We assured the CM that taxes would be paid regularly without fail,� he added.

Other issues put up before the Chief Minister included improving the water supply as well as rationalising the taxi fare as the high fare is a burden to the poor people, said Haokip further.

Introduction of passenger buses was also suggested.

The Chief Minister was also requested to open the check posts only at Moreh and Pallel and not to open any other posts in between.

The Army check post may be opened at Tengnoupal, added Haokip.

President of Meitei Council Moreh, L Imobi hailed the suggestion of the Chief Minister to upgrade Moreh to a Municipality.

He added that the proposal of the Chief Minister would be discussed with all the community leaders of Moreh, especially in connection with the plot of land measuring about 35 to 40 acres for the Municipality to come up.

If Moreh is upgraded to the level of a Municipality then financial aid can be procured from the Centre for its development, said Imobi.

Referring to the meeting with the Chief Minister, Imobi said that assurance was given that if the said plot of land can be earmarked then a sum of Rs 200 crores will be pumped in for the border town.

The Chief Minister was in total agreement with the plane of thought that peace has been eluding Moreh because of the lack of economic growth, said Imobi and added that the Chief Minister also assured all possible aid to promote economic growth.

Imobi further said that the Chief Minister informed that strict instructions have been issued to the security forces at Moreh not to foment communal tension during the Unified Command meeting held yesterday in the backdrop of the protest launched by IRB personnel.

President of Tamil Sangam, Moreh M Eusoop Sarlen and president of Manipuri Muslim Council were also present at the meeting.

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