Hate statements on social media platform worries CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 21 2022: Chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday led the state in observing the Anti-Terrorism Day at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Banquet hall.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, the chief minister reminded that the day is observed as Anti-Terrorism Day every year to remember the assassination of India's former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by a suicide bomber at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu on this day 31 years back.

The day is observed to stand and take a pledge against terrorism, he said.

Highlighting that Manipur has also witnessed many inhumane activities like planting explosives at private residences, Biren said that such incidents should be condemned by all.

Over the past five years, the situation in the state has improved tremendously.

Because of the joint effort of the security forces including state forces, central paramilitary forces, intelligence units, etc.

He asserted that some 20 years before, foreign investors were unwilling to invest in Manipur due to fluid the law and order situation.

However, today the Japan International Cooperation Agency has expressed desire to invest in the state, he said, adding that it is a clear indication of the improvement in the law and order situation in the state.

Stressing that development and peace go hand in hand, the chief minister said that improvement in terms of development witnessed in the hills today is because of the cooperation of the people and their desire for peace.

N Biren also noted the dedication of the state force and the risk they take.

At the same time, he said that sometimes a few individuals tarnish the image of the entire force with their wrongdoings and misconduct, referring to the arrest of some personnel in drug related cases.

He suggested stringent actions against any police personnel found involved in drug cases, including forced retirement for drug abusers and addicts in the force.

Urging the police higher-ups to screen out drug abusers from the force, he said that such individuals undermine the whole force's morale and diminish public trust in the force.

They could be taken back if they become clean again, he added.

The chief minister also expressed concern over the spike witnessed in hate and communal statements issued among communities and similar social media comments over religion, territory, etc., and said this needs to be checked immediately.

He further advised the Directorate of Information and Public Relations and the Home Department to take the lead and after proper discussion with the media fraternity, stop the publication, broadcast and circulation of any such statements between communities, association.

All these create unnecessary confusion and could harm the hard earned peace in the state, the chief minister observed.

The law and order situation has improved but we still have to work harder, he said, further expressing desire to improve the intelligence network to strengthen the force further.

Biren said that maintaining law and order is in hands of police officers and so we have improved both intelligence networking as well as public-police co-operation.

Further explaining the importance of improving public-government relations, the chief minister said that over the last five years, the state has been able to create a cohesive relationship among the people and a peaceful situation in the state with the aid of citizen centric schemes like Meeyamgi Numit.

Now Meeyamgi Numit will also be held by DCs and SPs at the district level, he added.

The chief minister said that today's India is a product of the many who had sacrificed for the nation.

Similarly, Manipur had also witnessed many sacrifices, he said.

"We should remember them all.

Let us protect India and Manipur and face any challenges on the unity and integrity of India and Manipur", he added.

Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said that terrorism today is the biggest enemy of our civilization.

It is now time to think for the collective good and move towards becoming a foremost developed country, he said while appealing to all to shun violence and move forward together.

He further said that India by observing this day is spreading the message of peace and humanity and unity in diversity, adding that irrespective of caste, creed, religion, the people of the state should unite.

The minister then appealed to all to join hands, to fight to protect humanity and combat terrorist activities from our soil and to make a meaning observance of the day.

The day's event was also attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata Singh, ministers Letpao Haokip and Khashim Vashum, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP and officials among others.

As part of the observance, the chief minister also administered the Anti-Terrorism Day pledge.

Artistes of the Shri Shri Bal Mukanda Dev Government Music College also performed the closing and opening songs of the event.

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