Imphal, January 06 2010: There can be emotional integration between the hill and the valley people only when there is equal development of roads and other necessary infrastructures in the hill and the valley, MLA of Thanga Assembly Constituency T Mangibabu has stated.

Inaugurating a youth awareness camp for health and sports cum cultural programme organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at the Mission ground of Chingai in Ukhrul district yesterday as chief guest, Mangibabu said emotional integration can come about only there is development of road and other necessary infrastructures in both the hill and the valley and the people started mixing up and participated in the programmes of each other.

In this regard, the efforts being made by Information Centre for Hill Areas of Manipur (ICHAM) in highlighting the developmental requirements in the remote areas of the State is laudable, the MLA appreciated.

The MLA further said that on its part, the Government has started taking up steps towards upgrading National Highway 39 into four-lane and development of the National Highway 150 which is passing through not only Ukhrul district other districts but also connects with Nagaland and Mizoram.

He also assured that the developmental needs of Chingai would be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister so that necessary remedial measures could be taken up on priority basis.

The MLA hoped that organising more and more such awareness programmes in the hill areas would also help in the exposure of the sports and cultural talents of the youths, thereby inculcating the spirit of oneness among the people.

In his presidential address, MLA of Moirang Assembly Constituency M Prithiviraj observed that some divisive forces have been trying to drive wedge between the hill and the valley people from time to time.

These divisive forces can be defeated with by setting an example of real unity and integrity among the people.

So shouting for unity while sitting at the valley would not work.

When the people in the hills are living on Pan and the village people feasted on rice, there can be no love in between.

Valley people should go out and share the problems being faced by the people in the hills, the MLA said.

He further said that since the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led SPF Government came to power, many developmental works have been taken up both in the hills and the valley areas to bridge the developmental gaps.

The MLAs and the Ministers of SPF Government have also made a mission to reach out directly to the people living in the remote parts of the State.

ICHAM president N Rajendro, who was also present at the occasion as one of the guests of honour, pointed out that the fact that political leaders from different social backgrounds have occupied the post of Chief Minister in Manipur goes to show that Manipur cannot be disintegrated.

It is just that the people have been hypnotised for some time by the divide and rule policy played out by some vested interested persons/groups who took advantage of the misdoings of the Government, Rajendro added.

Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul District Ashok Kumar and Joint Director of Youth Affairs and Sports N Pahari also attended the function as guests of honour.

At the occasion, Manipuri artists like Raju Nong, Guna and Sadananda enthralled the villagers of Chingai with their acting and singing skills.

The gathering also enjoyed the performance of Thang-Ta, Lai-Haraoba dance and other cultural programmes of Tangkhul.

Sports items like footballs and volleyballs were also distributed among various local clubs of Chingai from the side of Youth Affairs and Sports Department at the occasion.

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