CM vows safeguard of smaller communities
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 04 2023:
Maintaining that the state government is fully prepared to tackle threat posed to the minority community and pointing out every indigenous tribe or community, regardless of their population or size, should be allowed to live freely, chief minister N Biren has warned against any intimidation on smaller and weaker communities for forceful assimilation.
Speaking as chief guest during the inaugural function of a two-day Berkap Reiju festival, a cultural extravaganza to revive and promote the rich cultural heritage of Kom tribe at Ichum Keirap Kom village in Kangpokpi district on Saturday, the chief minister highlighted that the government is working in sync with the Prime Minister's mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'.
N Biren further stated that all the 34/35 different communities settling in the state should live peacefully by respecting each other's identity.
The government is there to protect all indigenous communities and no community should discriminate or force assimilation of smaller communities.
While vowing to uplift and protect the weak and small communities, he said the government has constructed replicas of traditional huts of all the 34-35 indigenous tribes and communities at the Sangai Ethnic Park, where they can showcase their identity through their traditions, culture and lifestyle.
Stating that the government is also working for the proper representation of minority tribes and communities, the chief minister assured that government nominees in the Autonomous District Council would be from the minority tribes.
Budgetary allocation for only minorities has also been included in the budget, he added.
Stressing on the essence of democracy, the chief minister said that India's beauty lies in its secularism, unity in diversity and we should encourage these characteristics.
N Biren also assured of looking into the proposals placed by the locals including widening/expansion of road, upgrade of UJB School and construction of Primary Health Centre among others.
He further stated that construction of a Hills Leaders' Bhavan in Imphal will be completed soon.
Stating that Manipur registered highest footfall of foreign tourists among the North East region, the chief minister encouraged the locals especially the youth to strive for preserving natural landscapes to attract more tourists.
He further encouraged the villagers to ensure that the economically weaker families avail benefits of the government welfare schemes and urged all concerned not to threaten the Kom community in the name of historical beliefs and compel the community to engage in poppy plantation in the hill areas.
Chief Minister Biren beat the gong as part of the inaugural function of the festival and opened the festival by shooting an arrow aimed at an image of a bird hanging from a pole.
Traditional dances and cultural performances were the main highlights of the inaugural function.
UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam, who was also present at the event, said that Kom community should protect its own identity and remain as it is without any fear.
No other big community should try to dominate over it nor should Kom people think of blending with other larger communities, he said.
Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha, Moirang MLA Th Shanti, CSO leaders, village chiefs and church leaders also attended the function.