Imphal, June 07: Asserting that the people no longer repose any faith in any of the numerous UG groups in the State, Agriculture Minister Parijat noted that all the issues plaguing the State are caused by selfish mind-sets and greed.

It has now become clear that violence being perpetrated by armed groups are aimed at fulfilling their own selfish ends rather for the common good of the people, Parijat observed.

Speaking as chief guest in the golden jubilee celebration of Bunglon village in Churachandpur district.

Whether it is because of distrust among different communities or conflict among communities or whether they are fighting against the State, the number of armed groups have been increasing at an alarming rate, he noted while asserting that the spurt in the number of UG groups has been causing serious impediments to the development and progress of the State.

Even if it can be justified for one/two UG groups to operate in the State under the excuse of protecting the identity of the indigenous people from subjugation by other peoples, Parijat noted with grave concern at the existing trend of establishing several armed groups for each and every ethnic group of the State.

As such, people no longer believe that these armed groups would bring about a better society in Manipur, he asserted.

With UG cadres infesting every nook and cranny of the State, the Govt has been incapacitated to take up any development programme in remote areas of the hill districts, Parijat disclosed.

The inability of Govt officials to work in far off and remote areas of the State due to strong pressure from various UG groups would never serve people's interest.

Acknowledging the remarkable quantity of pine-apple produced by the small Bunglon village having just about 200 inhabitants, the Agriculture Minister assured all possible help to the pine-apple farmers of the village.

He also exhorted the Bunglon villagers to take advantage of the various welfare schemes being implemented by the Tribal Development Department.

The golden jubilee celebration was also attended by ex-MP Kim Gangte.

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