Won't be deterred by criticisms: Biren
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 30 2024:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that the people of Manipur who chastise him and the Government will shed tears one day when they realise what the Government has been doing to protect the State and her people.
Speaking at a function which marked the beginning of construction of infrastructure to relocate the Assam Rifles from the premises of the historic Langthabal Old Palace today, the Chief Minister continued that the Government is committed to protect the land, resources and the people of Manipur despite the public criticism.
The common enemy of the people of Manipur are those foreigners who want to break the State, he added.
Saying that the unrest in Manipur was instigated by those who were affected by the Government's crackdown on drug trade and want to distort the history of Manipur through concocted narrative, the Chief Minister clarified that the Government only wants to protect Manipur and the legacy left behind by of 'our ancestors' .
It is obvious that those who engage in drug business are offended by the Government's crackdown as they live a luxurious life by selling drugs, he added.
The crisis in Manipur should not be taken lightly, the Chief Minister said and added that relying on emotion won't secure the future of the State.
Maintaining that a comprehensive policy and strategies have to be devised to update NRC in the context of Manipur and complete the border fencing project, he added that a collective effort is needed to safeguard the indigenous people.
Saying that he will skip sleep if necessary to keep the unity and the integrity of Manipur intact, N Biren added that public criticism won't stop the Government from working in the interest of the people.
Now is not the time to fight for power, the Chief Minister said.
In a veiled response to BJP MLA L Rameshwar who said Manipur needs a capable leader who can unite the people cutting across ethnic lines, the Chief Minister asked whether the people will be pleased if the Government builds an atmosphere where some sections of people can live wherever they want and overlook the drug business.
The Government doesn't want to engage in an appeasement policy at the cost of the people, he said.
Manipur joined India with fixed boundaries and the same needs to be understood, the Chief Minister continued and added that the history of Manipur spans thousands of years and people take pride in it.
On Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma's remark on Manipur, N Biren said that Manipur is not like Mizoram, "which was once just a district of Assam".
N Biren's reaction came in the backdrop of a recent interview given by Lalduhoma to a National daily in which he said Singh was a liability for the State, its people and the BJP, and even President's Rule is preferable compared to his administration.
The Chief Minister, meanwhile, stated that the relocation of Assam Rifles (AR) was a long-awaited demand of the people of Manipur and the faculties and the students of Manipur University as the land holds historical significance.
The relocation of Assam Rifles camp took some time as an alternative location had to be arranged, he said while applauding Major General Ravroop Singh for considering the matter seriously and expediting the relocation process.
He informed that the AR has vacated 10 acres of land adjacent to Manipur University campus, out of the total occupation of around 20 acres.
He continued that the Tourism Department, in consultation with the Art and Culture Department, has sent a proposal for the restoration of the historical site.
Rs 20 crore had already been sanctioned for the restoration work, N Biren informed, stating that experts' suggestions would be sought during the restoration process.
The Chief Minister appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah for relocating the Assam Rifles camp considering the historical significance of the place.
Saying that construction of a new museum equipped with modem technology would also begin soon at the Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at Langthabal, he added that the State Government sought Rs 40 crore for the project of which the Centre has already sanctioned Rs 10 crore.
The Assam Rifles is not the enemy of the people of Manipur as they are here for the security and welfare of the people he said and appealed to the people to honour their service .
There should be an understanding and cooperation among the people and the security forces to bring peace and development in the State, the Chief Minister added.
On drug related issues, N Biren said that the State Government launched the War on Drugs campaign to save the youth of Manipur.
The special guest, Major General Ravroop Singh, IGAR (S), while delivering his speech stated that the Assam Rifle is thankful to the Chief Minister for providing one of the best infrastructures to relocate them.
He also expressed his willingness to give back the land to the rightful people of the State who are deeply connected to the sacred piece of land.
Security forces have to work together with the public leaders and respect each other's sentiments and find common ground to help one other, he added.
Other highlights of the inaugural function included the Chief Minister leading the Ministers and MLAs in unveiling the plaque and performing rituals at the newly construction site.
The programme was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Hill Areas Committee Chairman, Advocate General of Manipur, MLAs, Chief Secretary of Manipur, Senior Administrative officials, faculty and students of Manipur University and staff of the Art and Culture Department, among others.
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