Imphal: The present turmoil in the state is unfortunate, overcoming this and bringing back peace in the state should be the people’s collective responsibility, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Thursday.
The chief said this at the 78th Independence Day celebration at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground, here.
Manipur is for all 34 recognised communities who have been living together since time immemorial. Manipur is like a beautiful garden comprising these recognised communities, Biren said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to bring peace in the state, the chief minister said Manipur can be safeguarded from those trying to destabilise the state only when the many communities living together in the state stand united.
The present conflict is between those trying to break Manipur and those for united Manipur, the chief minister said.
“It is time for all to stand united against any divisive forces without any political or personal agenda.”
Manipur has also contributed to the country’s freedom struggle, the chief minister said observing that in the year 1891 Anglo-Manipur War, ‘our’ forefathers have also fearlessly fought against the British.
Stating that India achieved her independence on August 15, 1947, he said that the people of Manipur are all living as proud citizens of Bharat.
Biren said the people have given the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government another five years to serve them.
He said the Internally displaced persons of both affected communities (Meitei and Kuki) are provided with essential items and that benefits have been provided to 4 lakh beneficiaries under 46 schemes. The benefits of the schemes amounting to around Rs 300 crore are provided to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer, he added.
He said counselling is being provided to assist people facing psychological impact of the recent violence.
Biren highlighted developmental projects taken up in the state under ‘Viksit Bharat, Vikshit Manipur’ and said the projects amounting to around Rs 3500 crore also include two national highways (Imphal-Jiribam and Ukhrul-Tolloi-Tadubi).
The foundation stone for the Imphal Ring Road Project amounting to Rs 1776 crore (approx.) has also been laid, he said and added that it will ease congestion of traffic in Imphal. The World’s Tallest Pier Railway Bridge at Noney will be completed soon, he said and added that the 111 km long Imphal-Jiribam Railway project will connect Manipur’s capital Imphal with the rail networks of other places in the country.
The government will also repair all roads and bridges damaged in the natural hazards and disasters, the chief minister said.
The chief minister hoisted the national Tri-Colour flag. Cultural dances were also performed as part of the function.
He handed over Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training for the Year 2021-22 to four police officers and personnel, Ningombam Bhogen Meetei, Subedar (now MPS Grade-II), Singam Inaocha Singh, Havildar, Gurumayum Prameshor Sharma, Rifleman and Ramu Bahadur Thapa, Rifleman.
The march past was participated by contingents from security forces, Manipur fire service, Traffic Police, NCC cadets and school students.
The function was attended by the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, ministers, MP Rajya Sabha Maharajah Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLA’s, chairperson of various boards and corporations, DGP, and top civil and police officials.
The Independence day was celebrated by respective district administrations across the state.
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