CM warns against brandishing firearms in public
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 18 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has categorically stated that no group would be allowed to roam around with arms whether they are under peace talk or not.

Stating that no one, other than the State machinery, can take the law into their hands, the Chief Minister has issued a strong warning against all individuals and groups brandishing firearms in public.

He said that no one should do the works of police whether it is capturing of drug abusers or vehicle lifters.

Biren said the Government will not remain a silent spectator and will take stringent action as per the law.

The Chief Minister was addressing a mammoth crowd at Haj Complex, Lilong Karampat during a mass congregation on development of Lilong, Thoubal district today.

CM warns against brandishing firearms in public

N Biren Singh said that the first priority of the BJP-led Government in the State is to ensure that citizens enjoy all the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and bring development and peaceful co-existence in the State.

Not long after BJP came to power in the State, fake encounters became a thing of the past and people's fear for the safety of their children once it became dark had disappeared, claimed the Chief Minister.

Moreover, the hill people and valley people came quite close, he said.

Highlighting various schemes implemented by the Government like the Go to Village and Go to Hills, the Chief Minister claimed that these schemes delivered governance to the doorsteps of the common people and bridged the gap between the people.

He said that his Government believes in equal development, and further spoke of the construction of women's markets in various places including in the hills and at Lilong.

Biren said he has been working towards building a unified Manipur and highlighted various develop- mental works undertaken in the hill districts including the Manipur Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang in Churachandpur district, Makhel Heritage Park in Senapati district, Medical College at Churachandpur etc.

He claimed Tamenglong has witnessed development and added that a National Highway which would enable one to travel from Tamenglong to Guwahati in just six hours is being constructed.

In addition to a mega water supply scheme, a big stadium has been constructed at Tamenglong, Biren said.

The Government, the Chief Minister said, is not against any community who have been residing together in the State.

The Government has never asked any of the communities to leave the State, he said, adding that all these communities should live together peacefully in unity like different flowers in a garden.

The Chief Minister asked if the call to check the influx of illegal immigrants was wrong.

If any group has intentions to suppress the indigenous people by facilitating an influx of illegal immigrants, it cannot be accepted, Biren asserted.

Manipur is currently passing through a tumultuous phase because of lack of vision and ad-hoc measures followed by the previous Governments, he said.

He then asked if any one has come across growth of a whopping 1400 villages within a span of just 15 years in any State or country.

"If they are saying that the Biren Government is communal for speaking against such mushrooming of new villages, it is rather unfortunate", he lamented.

Against 25 to 30 per cent of the State's budget allocated to hill areas during the previous Governments, the BJP Government has been investing 45 to 46 per cent of the total budget in hill areas, Biren said.

He also appealed to the Meitei Pangal community not to remain silent but support the Government in its fight against immigrants who are driven by a desire to disintegrate Manipur.

"The ongoing conflict is not between Meiteis and Kukis.

I have been in touch with many Kuki leaders.

Although they are also yearning for peace, they are unable to speak out.

They are being suppressed by immigrants/intruders", Biren said.

Khongsais, Paites, Thadous and other communities who have settled in Manipur for centuries yearn for peace in Manipur but they are being suppressed by drug mafias and immigrants, Biren said.

He appealed to Meitei Pangals not to ever overlook the fact that they are sons and daughters of Meitei women.

"Let us all save Manipur together", he added.

Burning down Meitei houses and killing innocent Meitei people for the Government's action against illegal immigration, massive poppy cultivation and drug businesses is totally unacceptable, Biren asserted.

Further seeking support of the communities and their leaders, the Chief Minister also said that he is in constant touch with community leaders to restore normalcy.

He further urged the Meitei Pangal leaders to support the Government in its endeavour to check the influx of illegal foreigners.

Chief Minister N Biren also deliberated on various issues like drugs, deforestation, and its impact on climate and said it is time to deliberate on these issues.

There is no need for violence, because there are Constitutional provisions for every issue, the Chief Minister said, adding that he condemns attacks on civilians.

Further spelling out some developmental projects taken up in the area, Biren assured to look into the demands highlighted through memorandums submitted to him.

He also spoke on the development of Ushoipokpi water body.

Transport Minister Khashim Vashum in his brief speech stressed on the importance of peaceful coexistence and deliberated on the beauty of a garden filled with different plants.

He said that a whole community should not be blamed because of a few black sheep in the community and appealed to all to pray for peace and co-existence in the State.

N Biren laid foundation stones of Lilong Ushoipokpi Market, Skill Development Hub, Rehabilitation Centre and inaugurated 3rd and 4th floors of Girls Hostel & Library Hall, WAQF Board, Manipur, guest house cum canteen, and Sunrise Public School, Lilong Nungei.

The Chief Minister also distributed benefits of various schemes during the function.

The function was also attended by Works Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, PHED Minister L Susindro Meitei, Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, Manipur WAQF Board Chairperson Muhammad Abdul Nasir and many MLAs, among others.