Won't tolerate religious sacrilege, cautions Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, April 04 2023:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh flagged off the Manipur Chapter of Purvottar Bharat Parikrama from the Western Gate of Kangla, here, on Tuesday.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the event, the chief minister pointed out that everyone has the right to practise their choice of religion in the state.
However, demeaning another's religion and preventing them from practising the same will not be tolerated.
He then made it clear that the government is not remaining silent over the recent issue but closely monitoring, and will take up all the appropriate actions, if required.
Regarding the district boundary issue, Biren said that there is need for the parties involved to have a sit-down with the authority concerned to discuss the respective demands.
There have been no new significant changes to the old district boundaries.
However, it is wrong on the part of some groups to take the law into their own hands, he chided, while stating that the government will take up necessary action in the matter.
"If the government does take action, it cannot be called a 'bad' government," he contended.
On the detection of new COVID-19 positive cases in the state, the chief minister said that the government has placed a ban on organising Thabal Chongba as part of preventive measures.
The government is closely monitoring the situation, he informed, while adding that if the situation is favourable, the government will consider allowing organising Thabal Chongba for 1-2 days in connection with the upcoming Cheiraoba.
Biren pointed out that the idea of organising the rally is to bring coordination, love, understanding and unity among the states of the north-eastern region.
Highlighting efforts under the Prime Minister towards achieving a united India under the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' mission, Biren said that students from different parts of the country are visiting the state and at the same time, Manipur students are visiting other parts of the country to connect the youth across the country and bring them closer to one another.
He lauded the Indian Army for organising the car rally for the north-eastern states and said that this will help in bringing a united India and united North East.
As part of the ceremony, CM Biren also presented school bags made from recycled Army Uniforms and books to the students of Iroisemba Upper Primary School.
The ceremony was also attended by the commander of 9 Sector Assam Rifles commander, officers and ex-servicemen.
The Purvottar Bharat Parikrama North East Car Rally is being organised by the Eastern Command as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commemorating 75 years of India's independence.
The rally will cover all the eight states of the north east, with the objective of connecting the eight states and paying homage to the freedom fighters of the region.
The car rally has one SUV representing one state each, wherein it will traverse through and two SUVs representing the Indian Army.
It was flagged off on March 22 on the eve of Shaheed Diwas 2023 from Fort William, Kolkata.
It has the objective to celebrate the spirit of Independent India, national integration and to build an inclusive mindset in the local youth, among other objectives.
The rally participants include Param Vir Chakra awardee, Honorary Captain (Sub Maj) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) .
It aims to promote national unity, camaraderie and national integration among people of different states, religions and cultures.