Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
IMPHAL: In a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, tree saplings were planted at the Socio Economic and Environment Development Society (SEEDS) complex in Sangaithel’s Olympian Park, Imphal, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability and peace-building in the conflict-affected region.
The mass tree plantation drive, organized by SEEDS, saw enthusiastic participation from members of SEEDS, Brigadier A. Boral, VSM, 9 Sector Assam Rifles, AMWJU President Asem Bhakta Singh, President of Editors Guild Manipur Khogen Khomdram, officials from AMWJU, EGM, CAPF- PadmaShri N.Kunjarani Devi Olympian Commandant GC CRPF Langjing Imphal Manipur, W.Nandini Devi International Weightlifter Second in Commandant 86 Bn Lamphelpat and M. Somorani Devi International Taekwondo Deputy Commandant GC CRPF Langjing Imphal Manipur, Indian Railways, and staff from the Forest and Environment Departments.
The event marked a symbolic return to the area after more than two years of ethnic violences that divided the hills and the valley, underscoring efforts to restore both ecological balance and community harmony.
Brigadier A. Boral remarked that coordinated security measures had led to a significant decline in violence in the region. He emphasized that ongoing efforts aim to enable communities to live together peacefully once again. Padma Shri N. Kunjarani Devi, who participated in the plantation, commended the security forces’ relentless efforts in restoring peace and appealed to the public to support these initiatives.
SEEDS General Secretary Rupachandra Yumnam announced plans for more plantation drives in collaboration with security forces and stakeholders. President of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Bhakta, emphasized the vital role journalists can play in promoting environmental awareness and contributing to peace and harmony.
The Olympian Park, now under heavy protection, stands as a renewed symbol of hope and peace in a state striving for reconciliation.
SEEDS extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, especially the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, for their invaluable support in making the mass tree plantation program a success. Their contributions have been instrumental in promoting environmental sustainability and peace-building initiatives in the region.
