Biren blames past laxity for present crisis
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, October 29 2024: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that the present crisis could have been avoided had the State acted with wisdom and taken up adequate precautionary measures since 40 years back.

The Chief Minister made this statement during the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Critical Care Block at Thoubal District Hospital today.

N Biren stated that the previous Governments did nothing with regard to the influx of illegal immigrants because the politicians had one overriding concern which was securing votes and winning elections.

"Whereas the previous Governments did nothing to check or stop the influx of illegal immigrants, my Government's efforts to check the influx led to the present crisis.

As a result, I have been facing all kinds of harsh criticisms and denigration", Biren said.

Biren blames past laxity for present crisis

"It appears that no one is giving any serious thought to what would happen to future generations if we don't work today to secure the future of all Manipuri people", he continued.

If the incessant influx of illegal immigrants is left unchecked, all the indigenous people of Manipur will become minorities in their own State sooner rather than later, Biren said.

At one point of time, one particular community had just five MLAs.

Now they have 10 MLAs, he said before asking the people why no one is giving any serious thought to this demographic change and the resulting alteration in the political equation.

Illegal immigrants came to the State and set up a number of villages at different places as if they could do everything as per their wish and whims.

If this trend continues, all the indigenous people will be left with no living space, the Chief Minister warned.

"The incumbent Government and myself who have been working to avoid such a grim situation are being made objects of harsh criticisms and denunciation", he lamented.

"We don't have any ill feeling or animosity against any group.

But we need to think calmly and work with unity.

We will be able to achieve our aspirations if we work collectively.

We are not here to scramble for contract works and supplies", Biren said.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was jointly organised by the Directorate of Health Services and the State Health Mission under National Health Mission.

The foundation stone was first unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually as a part of inauguration and laying of foundation stones of different projects held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

The foundation stone of the Critical Care Block which will be constructed at the cost of Rs 16 crore under the Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was unveiled physically by Chief Minister N Biren.

The Chief Minister announced that the State Government is giving first priority to the upgradation of Thoubal District Hospital to a medical college.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving special attention to the health sector with the objective of ensuring modern healthcare facilities to all the people of the country.

The Modi Government has also plans to establish one medical college in each and every district of India.

Thoubal District Hospital fulfils all the criteria necessary for upgradation to a medical college.

But considering the absence of adequate healthcare facilities in hill areas, Churachandpur District Hospital was first upgraded to a medical college, Biren said.

Nonetheless, Thoubal District Hospital has been given first priority for the next phase of upgrading district hospitals to medical colleges, he said.

Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister Khashim Vashum, Manipur Pollution Control Board Chairman Dr Usham Deben, MLA Th Shanti, MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor (Keba), MLAs H Dingo, Kh Ibomcha and high ranking officials too attended the ceremony.