Imphal, June 12: New Manipur Governor Arvind Dave today stressed the need to restore peace and accelerate the pace of development to solve the problems in the troubled-torn northeastern state.

“All of us have to work collectively to bring peace and progress to the people of this beautiful state,” the former secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) said.

Dave, who replaced Ved Marwah as the new Governor of Manipur, formally assumed charge today. Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, P.P. Naolekar, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Dave at a glittering function in the banquet hall of the Raj Bhavan.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, his Cabinet colleagues, leader of the opposition R.K. Dorendro Singh and top police and administrative officials were among those present on the occasion.

Talking to mediapersons, Dave said, “My priority would be peace and development. They should go together since all problems are connected to them. Disturbances have slackened the pace of development. I will work with the state government towards this end.”

Sixty-three-year-old Dave further added that efforts should be made to hold talks with militant outfits.