Lamka/Imphal, February 20, 2010: People of Churachandpur district today enjoyed double celebrations with the State Government formally declaring handing over of the Guite Road development task to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Works Minister K Ranjit, on behalf of the Chief Minister made the announcement during the celebration of 62nd Zomi Nam Ni held at PT Sports complex, Mualnuam and Behiang villages.

the state government finally declared its decision to part with the much-hyped Guite Road to the BRO in a significant reverence to the sentiments of the people.

"I had consented to attend the 62nd Zomi Nam Ni Cultural Festival celebration at New Lamka.

However due to some unforeseen urgent unavoidable works at Imphal, I regret I will not be able to attend the celebration," said the Chief Minister O Ibobi's written message read out to the gathering by the Works Minister.

Deputing the Works Minister along with IFC Minister N Biren Singh and Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam on his behalf, the Chief Minister in his message wrote, 'while the state is encountering various problems, we need to stand together to overcome it for the common benefit of the people.

I hope the theme of the festival, 'Together We Can' is very relevant and it will inspire one and all to contribute one's mite for the common benefit of the people'.

In an unprecedented move by the government K Ranjit who spoke on behalf of the Chief Minister declared before the crowd, the handing over of Guite Road to the BRO, as was persistently pursued by the general public.

'As the sentiments and wishes of the public is always a priority for the government in power, the government has no qualms in handing over Guite Road to the BRO,' he said amidst a continuous round of applause from the gathering.

Ranjit also formally handed over before the gathering, the order of the government in his regard to Kapkhanmuan, President of Zomi Students' Federation, which was at the forefront of various agitations related to demand for entrusting the BRO to execute the road development programme.

An informed source said the Chief Minister personally contacted North Eastern Council Secretary last evening for approving the State Government's proposal to assign the Guite road development work to the BRO.

During the telephonic talks, the CM is said to have impressed upon the NEC Secretary for diversion of the balance amount of Rs 50 crore in the development of the Tamei-Tamenglong road.

The said amount was out of the total of Rs 82 crore allocated by the NEC to the State Government for development of Guite Road.

As per decision of the SPF Cabinet on September 2, 2006 the State Government sought the NEC assistance for development of the Churachandpur-Singhat-Sinjwal-Tuivai road also called Guite road.

Out of the released amount Rs 32 crore had already been utilised in related works of the Road stretch.

Meanwhile, the Nam Ni Pa (Father) Power Minister T Phungzathang, Henglep MLA T Manga Vaiphei, Thanlon MLA V Hangkhanlian and Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur were the other elected representatives who graced the festival.

Spectacular traditional dances of the Mizos, Hmars, Kukis, Chiru, Aimol and that of the seven Zomi tribes were showcased during the celebration also dubbed as the Zomi Cultural Festival.

Besides regular traditional dances, march-past of school children, a specially chosen Gospel song from half a dozen choir groups and a joint dance of 'Jangta Laam' performed by more than 400 artistes from 56 dance troupes were the special attractions of today's festival.

Comment