Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand on Friday launched the “Uningthou Uyok” plantation drive at the SEEDS Complex, Olympian Park, Imphal West District.
The initiative was organized jointly by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS, and the *Editors’ Guild Manipur under the department’s “Ching-Pat-Turel” campaign. The programme aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, the State Tree of Manipur.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister planted an Uningthou sapling. During his address, he recalled the incident of May 13 last, when three pastors lost their lives in an ambush by unidentified persons. He said that around 18 people were subsequently captured at Leilon Vaiphei by suspected Kuki militants. Of them, 12 were later released while six were abducted.
He said that he had visited Makhan village along with Meitei and Naga MLAs to meet the affected families, where the victims identified five individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Based on the names provided by them, two suspects have already been apprehended, he added.
Responding to a question on the remaining suspects, the Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of the Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure their arrest, and that necessary instructions have already been issued.
Earlier, the Chief Minister launched “Uningthou Uyok”, a tree plantation programme under the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s “Ching-Pat-Turel” campaign at the SEEDS Complex, Olympian Park, Imphal West District. The initiative aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, the State Tree of Manipur. The programme was organised jointly by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS and the Editors’ Guild Manipur. Shri Yumnam Khemchand also planted an Uningthou sapling as part of the programme.
Following the programme, the Chief Minister inspected various facilities at Olympian Park and reviewed the condition of its infrastructure. He expressed concern over the state of affairs in the park, including issues related to water supply and maintenance, and directed the concerned officials to take necessary measures for their restoration and improvement at the earliest so that the park can be revived for public use.
Regarding the reopening of Olympian Park, the Chief Minister observed that while people are still hesitant to visit places perceived as risky, the prevailing situation is gradually improving with the return of peace. He expressed hope that the park would be reopened to the public in the near future.
MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Managing Director of the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHCL Ltd.) L. Kailun, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Director of Environment and Climate Change Dr. T. Brajakumar, All Manipur Working Journalist’s Union President Asem Bhakta Singh, General Secretary AMWJU Kweirapam Naoba, Manipur Hill Journalist Union
Peter Adani, members of Editor’s Guild Manipur, senior officials and other dignitaries attended the programme, among others.
