CM opens NE Drama Fest
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 24 2019: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has urged the womenfolk of the State to take pro-active role in fighting the menace of drugs and intoxicants.

He was speaking as chief guest at the opening ceremony of a 10-day North East Women Drama Festival and National Seminar on Theatre at Khenjonglang Theatre Complex, Keirao in Imphal East district today.

Keirao AC MLA L Rameshwor, retired IAS officer K Radhakumar, theatre personalities Kirti Jain, Heisnam (O) Sabitri and Maya Krishna Rao also attended the function as dignitaries.

CM opens NE Drama Fest

N Biren said that rampant abuse of drugs and intoxicants has become a major concern in the State now.

He said that thousands of men had died and many others are dying due to intoxicants in the State leaving behind their wives and children.

As such, there is a need to launch a war with womenfolk taking pivotal role like in another 'Nupilan' to curb the menace, the Chief Minister observed.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister said that theatre plays a significant role in maintaining harmony among people and educating the masses on social evils.

Observing that there is no dearth of talent in the State, the Chief Minister said that Manipur has towering figures like Ratan Thiyam in the field of theatre as well.

As it is not new in Manipur for womenfolk to take leading roles in different matters, it is very appropriate to organize a drama festival of women directors in Manipur, the Chief Minister opined.

Regarding development and law and order situation, Biren said that apart from experiencing tranquillity, the State has witnessed many developmental changes in the past two years and a half with the Government resolving all the major issues besieging the State one after another.

As such, people should extend co-operation to the Government to keep up this development momentum and sustain the peaceful situation, he added.

He also urged the public not to occupy or construct buildings on paddy fields and agricultural lands by violating the existing Act.

He expressed worry that the State would have no agricultural land after 30 or 40 years if the current trend of expansion of residential land and construction goes on.

The Chief Minister also assured to open a Primary Health Sub Centre at Keirao apart from looking after various other developmental needs of the area.

The 10-day festival is organized by Khenjonglang in association with Sangeet Natak Akademi and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.

Prominent women theatre directors from different North East States are participating in the festival.

Eminent women theatre personalities like Kirti Jain, Maya Krishna Rao and H Sabitri were honoured at the function.

The dignitaries also released a souvenir published to commemorate the event.