CM notes existential threat to Indigenous communities
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 16 2024: The current crisis is a conflict between forces attempting to destroy the state and those endeavouring to defend its integrity and identity, said chief minister N Biren in his address during the 78th Independence Day celebration held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground on Thursday.

He emphasised that overcoming this crisis and restoring peace in the state should be collective responsibility of the people while affirming that Manipur belongs to all the 34 recognised communities who have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

"Manipur is not just for the Meeteis, the Nagas, or any single community.

It is a beautiful garden of various recognised communities, including Tangkhul, Meetei, Meitei Pangal, Vaiphei, Paite, Zomi, Hmar, Simte, Poumai, Anal, Lamkang, Mao, Maram, and others," he stated.

The Independence Day celebration saw participation of school students, police, and armed personnel, including contingents from the Arunachal Pradesh IRB.

Their presence, the CM said, symbolises a "One India, Strong India, and United India".

Reaffirming the government's commitment to restoring peace in the strife-torn state, the CM asserted that Manipur can only be safeguarded from those trying to destabilise it if the communities living together in the state remain united.

He reiterated that the ongoing conflict is between those seeking to destroy Manipur and those advocating for unity and urged the people to distance themselves from those attempting to mislead them with political agendas.

The CM also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis and exploring solutions along with maintaining that the government had taken steps to check the infiltration of illegal immigrants after discovering an agenda aimed at disintegrating the state.

This action, he noted, led to retaliation in the form of the current crisis.

Biren warned that remaining silent on these issues, despite knowing the facts, could pose an existential threat to the indigenous communities.

Despite the challenges, the CM pointed out that the government had successfully restored peace in some districts and called upon the people to work together sincerely to achieve peace in the remaining areas.

He cautioned against betraying the state, referencing Subedar Khelen, who plotted against his own countrymen.

Biren also recalled bravery of Manipuri forefathers during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War, where they fearlessly fought against the British.

He highlighted key events hosted in the state, such as Fem-ina Miss India, the tri-nation football tournament, the Durand Cup, the sports ministers' convention, and various G-20 events, which attracted large numbers of tourists.

While ruing that the ongoing crisis has adversely impacted the tourism sector, Biren, however, assured that the government will do its best to recover the losses in the remaining half of his current term.

Biren highlighted the significance of August 15, 1947, when India gained independence, and expressed pride in the people of Manipur living as citizens of 'Bharat'.

He underscored the government's ambitious goal to transform India into a developed nation by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat' vision and also emphasised the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, initiated under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav during the 75th Independence Day to encourage the citizens hoist the tricolour at every household.

Welcoming the people's mandate given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for another five years, the CM elaborated on various initiatives aimed at supporting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the May 3, 2023, violence.

He mentioned that IDPs from both affected communities are being provided shelter in relief camps and pre-fabricated houses, along with essential items.

Additionally, 4 lakh beneficiaries have received assistance under 46 different schemes, amounting to approximately Rs 300 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer.

He also mentioned the recent launch of eight new schemes, including a product catalogue, a special package for successful start-ups to employ IDPs, the CM Yarn Scheme, revised comic textbooks, and the Sportspersons Livelihood Scheme.

Highlighting the development projects under Viksit Bharat, Vikshit Manipur,' CM Biren detailed initiatives worth around Rs 3500 crore, including two national highways: Imphal-Jiribam and Ukhrul-Tolloi-Tadu-bi.

He also recalled laying the foundation stone for the Imphal Ring Road Project, estimated at Rs 1776 crore, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Imphal.

The world's tallest pier railway bridge in Noney is nearing completion, and the 111 km long Imphal-Jiribam Railway project will soon connect Manipur's capital with the rest of India's rail network.

The CM also addressed the government's efforts to assist those affected by natural calamities, such as floods and hailstorms, by providing aid for rebuilding houses and repairing damaged roads and bridges.

He highlighted improvements in healthcare infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission and the Emergency Covid Response Plan, including the construction of 11 health facilities.

He noted that counselling services are being provided to help those affected by the recent violence cope with its psychological impact.

Further emphasising the state's progress, CM Biren discussed the digitisation of official work through e-services portals, applications, and websites.

He highlighted the recent launch of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in the Manipur State Assembly.

The Independence Day function was marked by hoisting of the tricolour, cultural dance performances, and the presentation of the Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training for 2021-22 to four police officers and personnel.

The event saw the participation of various contingents, including the BSF, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, Arunachal Pradesh IR Battalion, civil police, home guards, VDF, fire services, and school NCC groups.

A combined band platoon, commanded by 1st MR Jemadar L Brojen Singh, included bands from the CRPF, 1st and 2nd MR, 1st IRB, home guards, and the Imphal West VDF.

CM Biren also received salutes from the march past contingents commanded by 4th IRB CO Shaklemba Rajkumar.

Four cultural troupes, under the aegis of art and culture department, presented cultural performances.

The celebration was attended by several dignitaries, including speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata, ministers, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, and other top civil and police officials.

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