Govt committed to make state corruption-free: CM
Poknapham's Thongam Premchand gets Best Male Journalist Award
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 02 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that the state government aims to make the state corruption free and sought the support of the people to achieve it.

The chief minister was addressing the gathering during the 42nd foundation day celebration of Kangleipakki Meira, an evening daily newspaper, held at Pillow Library Ground, Mongshangei Mayai Leikai on Monday.

CM Biren warned that strict and immediate action would be initiated against those who are involved in corrupt practices.

He further asserted that the state government will always stand firm against anti-national, anti-state and anti-social elements, adding that any such act would not be compromised.

Mass destruction of poppy plantations is being carried out under the War on Drugs campaign, he said, while urging all the concerned to take up cases related to illegal drugs seriously.

The CM expressed satisfaction that the mindset of people, who were earlier carrying out poppy plantations, has changed and added that the area of land where mass plantation of poppy used to be carried out, is now reduced to around 1,100 acres from 7,600 acres.

In addition, alternative crops for plantations were provided to the poppy planters for earning their livelihood, he maintained and suggested that the state's CSOs visit hill areas and interact with poppy planters, making them aware of the harmful impact of poppy cultivation.

Biren further informed that the villages where poppy plantation had been substituted with alternative plantation will be rewarded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the state this month.

He maintained that the state government has been putting in every effort to bring a systematic change in the state.

Expressing happiness on certain constructive comments received from the people on various development works taken up in the state, he gave credit for all the developments to people's support and cooperation.

He also mentioned that certain circumstances arose where the government had to take actions, considering the betterment of the state.

Although receiving criticism from the media does not produce any ill feeling, one needs to understand that we are all human.

Elected representatives also have the right to freedom of expression when dissatisfied.

However, it is important that discussions should be done on issue basis, while respecting personal life of families.

Discussions should be held on real issues, instead of creating issues out of non issues, he contended, while asserting that the media should be serious about being the eyes and face of the people.

The CM suggested holding discussions on the then Manipur of 33 AD and the Manipur of 1972 and the past, present and future of the state.

In addition, there is the need for maintaining transparency and sincerity, more so on the part of the majority communities such as the Meeteis.

All advice given by the public should be taken into consideration, he stressed.

Observing that there is a trend of young men and women hesitating to get married till 35 years of age, Biren said that this is also a factor in the spread of abuse of drugs in schools and colleges.

He then called for putting a stop to the abuse of drugs instead of looking at the issue like a bystander.

Any carelessness in doing so will put the future of the state at risk, he remarked.

Recounting his days as an editor and a sportsperson, CM Biren said that Manipur is moving forward steadily, while making maximum compromises when necessary and taking requisite steps when not needed.

In his speech, Kangleipakki Meira editor-in-chief and AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai said that journalism has no friend or foe.

He recounted that he used to work as a mason, while remarking that engaging in journalism in an insurgency-ridden state like Manipur is the most difficult task.

He was also summoned by NLA for an investigation.

All these issues combined almost made him quit journalism, he confessed, while adding that those working in the media are still going through difficult times.

During the programme, the Chief Minister presented the Kangleipakki Meira Award, 2023 to journalists.

The Best Female Journalist was presented to Phurailatpam Keni Devi; Best Male Journalist (Print) to Poknapham senior reporter Thongam Premchand Singh; Best Male Journalist (Electronics) to ISTV reporter Urikhinbam Indra Singh; and Best Hawker (Kangleipakki Meira) to Wahengbam Inaocha Singh of Khurai Sajor Leikai.

The Chief Minister also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to senior journalist Nongthombam Meipak and renowned guitarist Rajen (Yumnam Rajen), Special Recognition Award to reporter Asem Bhakta and Best Male Appreciated IPR Award to Sorokhaibam Prasenjit Singh.

The awards carry cash prize and citation each.

Many veteran journalists were also honoured with simple gifts on the occasion.

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeshore, journalists and many renowned personalities attended the programme among others.

Later, the Chief Minister visited Marjing Polo Complex and inspected the construction of Sagol Kangjei Statue, which will be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 6 .

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