Imphal, September 12: General Officer in Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps Lt Gen ZU Shah, SM, VSM has inaugurated a Youth Centre at Kangpokpi amidst great fanfare today.

GOC 57 Mountain Division Gen EJ Kochhekkan, SM, VSM graced the occasion along with Deputy Commissioner of Senapati District Dr Prem Singh.

During the year 2006, 14 Assam Rifles on the request of the local people initiated the construction of the Youth Centre as part of the ongoing Military Civic Action (MCA) programme.

The project is to be executed over three successsive years at a cost of Rs 102 lakhs.

During the first phase, a library cum reading room and a gymnasium have been constructed at the cost of Rs 22 lakhs.

The facility planned include hostel for boys and girls, a stadium with football ground and volleyball court and a computer centre.

The project would be run by the youth of Kangpokpi.

Lt Gen ZU Shah was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the locals who turned up in large number to witness the opening ceremony.

He thanked the crowd for their overwhelming participation over the last few months and said a warn relationship between local populace and the security forces was needed to instill confidence in the people and usher in peace in Manipur.

Speaking at the occasion, Gen Shah said that though the project has been conceived and financed by the Army, it has seen the light of the day only due to active participation of the local people.

Expressing his gratitude to them for their enthusiastic participation, he said that the frutification of the project show cases the true spirit of 'Sadbhavana'.

He added that such opportunities will help provide a platform for the youth to realise their potential in the region.

The Gen thanked Dr Prem Singh, DC Senapati and the district administration for their support in the realisation of the project.

An impressive cultural programme was presented by the youth as a mark of gratitude towards the Army.

A medical camp was also organised with assistance from civil administration wherein more than 700 people were provided free medical aid.

Army plans to build separate hostels for boys and girls during the financial year 2006-07 followed by a football stadium and a volleyball court during financial year 2007-08.Incidentally, this happens to be the farewell of visit of Lt Gen ZU Shah to the State.

The Gen has had a long and intimate association with Manipur having commanded 59 Mountain Brigade, then located at Kakching from May 1997 to Jan 1999.His humane approach and easy accessibility to the locals has endeared him to the people of Manipur.

Polio camp: As part of the State-wide Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation drive, 32 Assam Rifles joined hands and conducted Pulse Polio Immunisation programme in the Unit Hospital at Keithelmanbi today.

About 150 children were given polio drop during the programme.

On the other hand, as part of civic action, a medial camp was conducted by 10 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 26 Sector Assam Rifles to provide medical aid to the villagers of RR Central and adjoining areas today.

More than 200 villagers attended the camp and availed the facilities.

Medical check ups and medicines for general sickness were also provided to the villagers.

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