Imphal: Time has come for the indigenous populations to know who ‘we’ are and those vested interest groups who are trying to disintegrate the state, chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Friday.
“Manipur government is committed to protect and safeguard the indigenous population at all cost,” Biren said.
The chief minister was speaking at the opening function of Manipur Indigenous People’s Cultural Exchange Festival held under the theme ‘Manipur United by Diversity’ at Chadong, Kamjong district on Friday.
“Manipur belongs to the indigenous people. Our forefathers had been defending our land using swords and spears,” Biren said.
It is a crucial moment for all the indigenous communities of the state, who have been living together since time immemorial, he added.
Manipur has been on boil since the eruption of Meitei-Kuki conflict in May last year, which has been threatening the integrity of Manipur. Kuki-Zo MLAs and the community have been demanding for a separate administration.
War on Drugs will be continued to save and protect the youth of the state, Biren said.
“The state indigenous population seem to forget that our forefathers had defended our motherland for more than 2000 years.”
Biren appealed to the public to study hovernment records and data on population, geography and the demographic imbalance, so that “we could move in right direction to save the indigenous population”.
The state government started preservation and restoration work of places of historical importance, he said, mentioning the construction of Makhel Heritage Park in Senapati district with a cost of around Rs 6 crore.
Biren said the construction of dam in Chadong had created livelihood for many such as fishing activities and made the place a tourist destination with its scenic beauty. He appreciated the villagers of Chadong for sacrificing their original homeland for the larger benefit of the state.
As a part of the programme Biren led others in unveiling the “Monuments of Ages.” He also visited at the stalls opened in connection to the festival.
The programme began with a welcoming song performed by the local village women and followed by various cultural dances and folk songs performed by various tribes of Manipur.
The two-day long festival was being organised by Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur under the aegis of Tourism department.
Ministers, Chadong village chief, Ima Keithel women, senior and high ranking officials among others attended the festival.
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