IMPHAL: With Lok Sabha election around the corner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched projects worth Rs 1,500 crore for the development of Manipur , which, he said, has a key role to play in the growth of 'New India'.Addressing a rally at Hapta Kangjeubung in Imphal East, Modi said five helipads will be constructed under UDAN scheme in the state and the Imphal International Airport will also be expanded. He added that three new women's market will be constructed and the government will also work for setting up a mini-sports complex and a infectious disease centre in Imphal.The PM further said that around 1,500 km of National Highways (NH) has been added to the NE region in the last four years of which and 300 km is in Manipur. "My government's policy is transformation by transportation. All the state capitals of northeast states will be linked by the railways," the PM added.Modi alleged that under the earlier government, projects worth Rs 100 crore used to be completed at an escalated cost of Rs 200-250 crore, and this misuse of national wealth made him impatient. He said after coming to power in 2014, his government tracked and expeditiously implemented projects worth Rs 12 lakh crore which were 'lying in a ditch' or 'consigned to files'.Sporting a Meitei koyet (turban/headgear) Modi recalled that the first interim government of undivided India was set up at Moirang in Manipur's Bishnupur district and the people of the state has a pivotal role to play in the growth of 'New India'. He also talked about the support that the Azad Hind Fauj had received from the people in the northeast. However, the PM skipped key issues like the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Naga framework agreement signed between the Centre and NSCN(IM).During his short visit, Modi inaugurated an integrated check post (ICP) at the border town of Moreh, the Dolaithabi Barrage Project, FCI food storage in Imphal East and a buffer water reservoir in Ukhrul. He also laid foundation stones for infrastructure development of Dhanamanjuri University, flood-lights at the main stadium and hockey stadium in the Khuman Lampak sports complex and an astro turf football ground at Langjing Achouba in Imphal.The PM also inaugurated the improved and upgraded water supply for Churachandpur zone, eco-tourism complex at Thangapat in Kangpokpi district, integrated tourist destination in Noney district and water supply scheme at JNV, Lambui, and its surrounding villages.Talking about empowerment of women, Modi said Manipur has many women freedom fighters and the iconic boxing champion MC Mary Kom. Praising the 'Go to Hills' and 'Go to Village" initiatives of the state state government under the initiative of chief minister N Biren Singh, Modi said the Centre and the state government are working with a vision of 'sabka saath sabka vikas.'Chief minister Biren Singh, who was present at Modi's rally venue, said Modi has been visiting various parts of the northeast, including Manipur, since 2014. "This shows his love and concern to transform the region," he added. The CM further said since the BJP-led government came into power in Manipur, there has been a steep rise in the inflow of foreign tourists to the state.

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