CM seeks Manipur s titular King s help

Imphal March 17 (IANS) Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday called on titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba to seek his help in cementing the relations between the tribals and non-tribals in the state.

Sanajaoba assured him of all possible help.

Breaking protocol Biren Singh on Friday morning called on the titular King at his palace in Imphal.

He said: Since time immemorial people in the hills and the valleys today categorised as tribals and non-tribals had been living as children of the same parents.

People still believe that tribal was the elder brother of the non-tribal in the past he added.

Biren Singh requested Sanajaoba who wields considerable influence among the people to use his good offices to cement the brotherly relationship.

There is an annual ritual called Mera Houchongba during which gifts are exchanged among the elders.

Biren Singh said: The titular king could strengthen the brotherly relationship.

He is of the opinion that scheming politicians and other agents provocateurs had driven a wedge between the communities and said: My government will try to stem the rot.

We have decided to hold the cabinet meetings in the hill districts on rotation so that our ministers could know first-hand the urgent needs. The government is for balanced development of the hills and the valleys he said.

The government has already appealed to the United Naga Council to end the indefinite economic blockade imposed from November 1 2016.

Meanwhile Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore has asked all commissioners and secretaries to prepare project reports within one week for demanding developmental funds from the central government.

Conveying the instruction of the new Chief Minister Nabakishore told the officials that there has to be a corruption-free and transparent government.

--IANS
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