CM inaugurates Andro infrastructure, unveils Narasingh's statue
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, June 15 2022: Apart from unveiling a statue of Meidingu Narasingh at Kangla Western Gate, Chief Minister N Biren Singh today inaugurated infrastructure development works taken up for preservation of Panam Ningthou 'Immortal Fire' and different historical monu-ments located in and around Andro.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the Chief Minister appreciated the people of Andro for preserving and protecting the aged old culture, tradition and valuable artifacts of the Meitei community.

The Chief Minister stres-sed on the need for all communities of the State to preserve and protect their own traditions and culture.

N Biren Singh expressed happiness on seeing the lush green forest cover of the Nongmaiching, and further appreciated the people of Andro for protecting and preserving the forest cover.

CM inaugurates Andro infrastructure, unveils Narasingh's statue

Showing his appreciation, the Chief Minister assured to construct a workshed for the Andro pottery at the earliest and asked the village chief to provide a site for the same.

Commenting on a stone inscription erected by a Manipuri King during the catastrophic Seven Years Devastation at Andro, the Chief Minister said it is a valuable artefact which needs proper preservation.

N Biren also apprised officials of Art and Culture Department and Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Ltd to take up steps to preserve the same.

He also asserted the need to renovate the 'Shanglen' where the immortal fire of Andro burns.

Regarding the issue of non-inclusion of certain surnames due to misspelling of the surnames in the official gazette, the Chief Minister urged the village authorities to submit the details through the local MLA and said he would take up the issue with the concerned Ministry.

Explaining the benefits of health related schemes, the Chief Minister stated that he would direct the Health Directorate to set up a camp for two days at Andro to provide the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) by issuing cards to eligible beneficiaries.

He appealed to the people of Andro to avail the benefits of various people-centric schemes of the Government.

Biren also assured construction of a new Ima Market in the area.

He further stressed the need for opening a bank branch at Andro for providing benefits of certain welfare schemes and assured to look into the matter.

The Chief Minister also expressed his desire to install statues of the seven Maichous atop Nongmai-ching Hill.

The inaugural function was also attended by CAF&PD Minister L Susindro Meitei, MP Rajya Sabha Leishemba Sana-jaoba, MLAs Th Shyam- kumar Singh, Sapam Kunja-keswor Singh, Usham Deben Singh, Kh Ibomcha, and Thongam Shanti Singh, among others.

Unveiling a statue of Meidingu Narasingh at the Kangla Western Gate, the Chief Minister stated that the present generation needs to remember and honour the sacrifices made by 'our forefathers' in building the Nation and follow in their footsteps.

Speaking at a function held at the Kangla Hall wherein many artistes of the State were also felicitated and assistance given under Chief Ministergi Artistes singi Tengbang (CMAT) Scheme 2022 was distributed, he explained that earlier there was a statue of only Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Samadhi complex, Canchipur, but in remembrance of the Seven Years Devastation, statues of Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra were installed.

The Chief Minister also said that he held meetings with Manipuri filmmaker Romi Meetei and discussed to make films on the life of Maharaj Kullachandra to celebrate his courageous spirit, and the Seven years Devastation.

"We have to remember and celebrate our forefathers because without them we would not have existed", the Chief Minister said.

Regarding the implementation of the CMAT Scheme, the Chief Minister also said, "We have neglected the State's artistes for long although we always say our art & culture and sports put us on the world map.

The Government has launched the CMAT and a pension scheme to recognise the renowned artistes and encourage them, he added.

The Chief Minister also assured all possible assistance to the artistes of the State and said a society cannot have its identity without maintaining and preserving its culture and tradition.