Gorkhas urged to preserve forests, join anti-drug fight
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 09 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday appealed to the people particularly the Gorkhas residing in the hills to contribute their mite towards protection of forests for maintaining the ecological balance.

Speaking at the Shandmashik Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya held at Santolobari in Kangpokpi district on Friday, the CM also called upon the Gorkhas not to get involved in poppy plantation but to join hands in government's an all-out war against drugs.

The Gorkha community residing in the district organised the function in the presence of N Biren, his Sikkim counterpart Prem Singh Tamang and Lok Sabha (Darjeeling) MP Raju Bista among other dignitaries.

Stating that forests play a critical role in the global environment, population, and economy apart from alleviating the effects of climate change and natural disasters, Biren appealed to the tribals and other communities settling in the hills to stop the practice of shifting or jhum cultivation also known as "Pam-Lou" which often leads to forest and soil degradation.

He also called upon the Gorkhas residing in the northern part of the state for peaceful coexistence with other communities.

The six-month long Shandmashik Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya, which began on June 30 last, concluded on Friday with chief minister N Biren Singh, who attended the function as chief guest, unveiling the 'Amrit Stambh' memorial stone, marking the 75th year of establishment of Dharmodaya Veda Vigyan Gurukul.

Member of Parliament, Darjeeling arid BJP national spokesperson Raju Bista, who attended the closing ceremony, expressed contentment to chief minister N Biren for his presence at the historic Shandmashik Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya at Santolabari, in Kangpokpi district and unveiling the Amrit Stambh' memorial stone.

Speaking at the event, MP Raju Bista informed that the Amrit Stambh' memorial stone stands as a testament about the significant contribution of the Gorkha community towards upholding the spiritual and dharmic path in our great state, for generations to come.

While stating that the presence of Sikkim chief minister PS Golay during the function has indeed boosted the morale of the people across NE region, the MP said that "we are all touched by his deepest care and concern for the welfare of the Gorkhas across India".

Peace is the essential ingredient for development.

With peace, comes stability, stability ensures economic progress, and economic progress leads to prosperity.

This Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya is bound to have a tremendous positive impact on the socio-cultural, economic and other aspects of the life of the people from our Gorkha community, Manipur State, our nation and the world, he added.

The MP also thanked and congratulated the Veda Vigyan Gurukul family for the successful completion of the Mahayagya and completion of the 75 years of the Gurukul, in addition to applauding the people of Santolabari for hosting the historic event, and all the communities of Manipur who contributed towards making the historic event a grand success through their unity, solidarity, and support.

Earlier in the day, Sikkim chief minister PS Ta-mang called on his Manipur counterpart Biren Singh here.

Both the chief ministers discussed measures to improve trade ties between Manipur and Sikkim.

The chief ministers of Manipur and Sikkim also vowed to make "Northeast the growth engine of the nation".

"As Northeast Indian states get closer with enhanced connectivity, we will continue to work together to fulfil PM Narendra Modi's vision of making Northeast the growth engine of the Nation," CM Biren said after meeting his Sikkim counterpart PS Tamang.

Meanwhile, Shandmashik Vishwa Shanti Mahayagya Sanchalan Samiti has extended special thanks to chief minister N Biren, Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), MP Raju Bista, commerce and industries minister Nemcha Kipgen and all other dignitaries who were present during the function.

The function was also attended by MAHUD minister Y Khemchand Singh, social welfare minister H Dingo Singh, MLAs M Rameshwar Singh, Kh Joykisan Singh and Sapam Nishikant Singh as guests of honour.

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