Regarding the arrest of UNLF (P) self-styled army chief, lieutenant colonel and a cadre by the NIA, no prior information was given to the state government, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday said, stressing that prior information has to be given to the state since UNLF (P) is under peace talk.
He was speaking on the side-lines of the inaugural function of the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM) which is constructed at Nongmaiching, Imphal East under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
He said that the government is trying to find out the exact reason behind their arrest. They were arrested in connection with issues outside the state, he mentioned, adding that he had informed the NIA to give prior information next time.
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Addressing the gathering of the inaugural function, CM Biren said that the institute is highly important, as the Tourism sector can give a significant impact in the economy and employment generation in the state.
CM Biren highlighted the beauty of the landscape alongside the institute and urged both the trainers and trainees of the institute to maintain a good relation with nature and to preserve it while enjoying its scenic beauty.
When bonding with nature has begun, a sense of belongingness will come, he said.
He further said Works minister is putting efforts to upgrade the approach road of the institute to a double lane road.
Stressing the importance of developing the tourism sector, he said that the state government had taken up many development projects across the state like construction of Sangai Ethnic Park, Manipur Olympian Park, Water Amusement Park, Heritage Park at Makhel and Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang.
While speaking about Environment degradation, he said that Lamphelpat had remained neglected before the state government launched its rejuvenation project.
He also mentioned that developmental work could be taken up in foothill areas, where agriculture work could not be taken up. He stressed the need to preserve paddy land to ensure food security in future.
The law and order situation in the state is returning to normalcy, the government is putting in all possible efforts to bring normalcy in the state, he said and he added that political dialogues have also been initiated to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
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As the SIHM is situated at foothill area, he instructed the deputy commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, Imphal East to make arrangements for deployment of security personnel around the Institute, to prevent disturbance from any unwanted elements.
The inaugural function was attended by Power minister Thongam Biswajit, Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLA Th Shyamkumar, MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor, MLA Khuraijam Loken, MLA Md Ashab Uddin, MLA Th Arunkumar, MLA Th Shanti, MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, chief secretary Vineet Joshi.