Imphal: Manipur paid homage to Maharaj Gambhir Singh on his 190th Death anniversary observed at the Samadhi of the Maharaj at Langthabal here, on Tuesday.
“We are alive today, because of the sacrifices of our forefathers,” Biren said on the occasion.
“The function is organised to let the people know and remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers.”
“Statues of Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra were erected acknowledging their contribution to safeguarding the land,” he added.
Biren questioned MLAs and ministers who failed to attend such important functions and said he could understand those who are presently outside the state, but not those who are in the state. He said, “Without seriousness, conviction and determination we cannot save the land.”
He lamented the lack of proper and complete documentation of Manipur leaders like Maharaj Gambhir Singh. He explained the importance of Ningthi Turel near Moreh and said it is the river where Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Narsingh and Heerachandra washed their swords after driving away the Burmese from the land. He expressed the need to place such historical facts before the people.
Assam, Manipur and Tripura were the only places in North East India that had survived as independent nations for thousands of years in South East Asia, the chief minister said explaining the need to organise such observations in grand manners.
Biren also stressed the effects of drugs, ecological imbalance, demographic imbalance on the society, and expressed that it is time to deliberate on these issues for the society to survive. He explained the need to initiate the war on drugs campaign, campaign against deforestation, stop illegal entry of immigrants and said these had to be taken up to save the present and future generations.
He sought unity among the communities in the present situation stating that all communities are suffering, and appealed to all communities to stand unitedly against illegal drug business and poppy plantation in order to build a strong and united Manipur.
Stating that the central government is standing for Manipur, he said, “The NIA under Home Ministry has already announced the present crisis in the state as waging war against the Government of India.”
He stressed that security forces in Moreh including state police commandos, Assam Rifles and BSF are jointly fighting against terrorists. The chief minister assured the people that the government is presently working to safeguard the land and sought the blessings of the people.
The observance was also attended by ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Awangbou Newmai, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, L. Susindro Meitei, MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, security advisor, chief secretary, Manipur University VC Prof. N. Lokendro Singh among others also attended the function.
The chief minister and other dignitaries offered floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra.
Other highlights of the function included a guard of honour, gun salute, sounding of the Last Post by a contingent of Manipur Rifles, offering of tarpon and performance of Dhop Pala by Guru Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy.
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