Berkap-Reiju festival kicks off :: Biren vows to protect smaller communities
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 04 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has asserted that the Gov-ernment is there to protect all indigenous communities of the State and that no com-munity should discriminate against or threaten smaller communities.

He said that the Government is there for the upliftment and protection of weak and small communities.

N Biren was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of two-day long Berkap-Reiju Festival, a cultural extravaganza aimed at reviving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Kom tribe at Ichum Keirap Kom village, Kangpokpi district today.

The Chief Minister said that the COVID pandemic had hampered the Government in executing many development works during the previous term.

Berkap-Reiju festival kicks off :: Biren vows to protect smaller communities

Nonetheless, the Government sent out a clear message that the Government recognizes and supports every small tribe and community residing together in the State.

The Government has constructed replicas of tradi- tional huts of all the 34-35 indigenous tribes and communities at the Sangai Ethnic Park, where they can showcase their identity through their traditions, culture and lifestyle.

Warning against any threat for forceful assimilation of smaller and weaker communities, the Chief Minister said every indigenous tribe or community, regardless of their population size, should be allowed to live freely without any threat.

The Government is fully ready to meet any threat on any community, the Chief Minister said, adding that the Government is working under the Prime Minister's mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' .

Stating that the Government is also working for proper representation of minority tribes and commu- nities, the Chief Minister gave his commitment to ensure that Government nominees in the Autonomous District Councils are from the minority tribes.

Certain amounts have been incorporated in the budget exclusively for minorities, he added.

Stressing on the beauty of democracy, the Chief Minister said India's beauty lies in its secularism, unity in diversity and every one should encourage these characteristics.

Biren also assured to consider the demands submitted by the locals including widening/expansion of road, upgradation of UJB School, construction of Primary Health Centre, among others.

He further stated that construction of a Hills Leaders' Bhavan at Imphal will be completed soon.

Stating that Manipur received highest foreign tourists in the North East region, the Chief Minister encouraged the locals, specially the youth to develop their location naturally to attract more tourists.

He further encouraged the villagers to ensure that the economically weaker families are receiving the benefits of Government welfare schemes.

MLA of Saitu AC Haokholet Kipgen, MLA of Lamlai AC Kh Ibomcha, MLA of Moirang AC Th Shanti, CSO leaders, village chiefs and church leaders attended the function, among others.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh also struck a gong as a part of the inaugural function of the festival.

He also opened the festival by shooting an arrow aimed at an image of a bird hanging from a pole.

Traditional dances and cultural performances were the main highlights of the inaugural function.

On his arrival, the Chief Minister and the other dignitaries were accorded a warm traditional welcome by the villagers.