Assam Rifles not Manipur people’s enemy: Biren

Imphal: Assam Rifles is not the enemy for the people of Manipur, rather they are here for the security and welfare of the people, chief minister N. Biren Singh said at inaugural function for construction of infrastructure for shifting of Assam Rifles (AR), at Langthabal, here on Saturday.

The people of the state should honour the AR’s service, Biren said. He stressed the need of the hour to maintain the understanding and cooperation amongst the people and the security forces for bringing peace and development in the state.

The state is passing through a difficult time but at the same time the relocation of AR was also a long-awaited demand for the people of Manipur and the faculties and the students of Manipur University as the land hold historical significance for the people of Manipur, the chief minister said.

He said AR has vacated 10 acres of land adjacent to Manipur University Campus, out of the total occupation of around 20 acres as of now. He continued that the old structure of historical importance would be restored and as such a proposal for restoration work had been sent by the Tourism department in consultation with the Art and Culture Department. An amount of Rs. 20 crore had already been sanctioned for the same, the Chief Minister informed, stating that experts’ suggestions would be sought during the restoration process.

He appreciated Union Home minister Amit Shah for taking the proposal to relocate the Assam Rifles camp considering the historical significance of the place.

He added, for construction of a new museum equipped with modern technology at the Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh located at Langthabal , the state Government had sent a proposal of Rs.40 crore of which an amount of Rs.10 crore have been sanctioned. Construction work would be started soon, he added.

The state government had started the War on Drugs campaign to save the youths of Manipur. “It’s time for the indigenous peoples to unite and stand together to save our future generations,” he said.

The Special guest, Major General Ravroop Singh, SM IG-IGAR (S) expressed his willingness to give back the land to the rightful people of the state who are deeply connected to the sacred piece of land. Security forces have to move along together with the public leaders and respect each other’s sentiments, and find common ground to help each other, he added.