PM lays foudnation stone for National Academy, sports

Imphal, Dec 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stones of National Academy of Sports, convention centre and Manipur institute of technology at Kangla near here.

Addressing a massive rally at Kangla, the Prime Minister reminded the people that he had addressed them on 20 November, 2004, on the historic occasion of the handing over of the Kangla fort to the peole of Manipur. This was reciprocated with thunderous applause by the people.

The Kangla development project was on the right track and the fort which symbolises the bravery, patriotism and sense of sacrifice of all Manipuris will become the most prominent attraction of the countrymen, the Prime Minister said.

He said the armed forces special powers act,1958, needed some amendment by modifying existing provisions or inserting new provisions. It could be made more humane giving due regard to the protection of basic human and civil rights, he said.

The people of Manipur were entitled to the same privileges and protections of law as the citizens in the rest of the country, the Prime Minister said. " What we need is lasting peace and harmony".

He said the government of India was committed to ensuring the sentiments of the people of the state. A country like India with its immense diversity in languages, customs, beliefs, and faiths provided enough scope for pluralism, he asserted.

He announced that the Regional Institue of Medical Sciences, Imphal, will be upgraded to the status of AIIMS, New Delhi, and fort his a fund of Rs 240 crores will be sanctioned. The RIMS will be transferred to the Ministry of health and family welfare New Delhi.

UNI NS PC KLC/RN1623