State observes Anti-Terrorism Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, May 21 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh today led the State in observing Anti-Terrorism Day at the 1st Battalion, Manipur Rifles banquet hall.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, the Chief Minister said that the day is observed as Anti-Terrorism Day every year to remember the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by a suicide bomber at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu 31 years ago.

The day is observed to stand collectively and take a pledge against terrorism, he said.

Highlighting that Manipur has also witnessed many inhumane activities like planting explosives at private residences, the Chief Minister said that "we have to collectively condemn such incidents" .

Over the past five years, the situation in the State has improved tremendously because of the joint effort of the security forces including State forces, Central paramilitary forces, intelligence units etc.

State observes Anti-Terrorism Day

He asserted that some 20 years earlier, foreign investors were unwilling to invest in the State due to the law and order situation then.

However, today the Japan International Cooperation Agency has expressed desire to invest in the State, he said and added that it is a clear indication of improvement in the law and order situation in the State.

Stressing that development and peace go hand in hand, the Chief Minister said that the little development and improvement witnessed in the hills today is because of the cooperation of the people and their desire for peace.

The Chief Minister said that there has been considerable improvement in intelligence networking as well as public-police cooperation.

Further explaining the importance of improving public-Government relations, the Chief Minister said that over the last five years, the State has been able to create a cohesive relationship among the people and a peaceful situation in the State with the aid of citizen-centric schemes like Meeyamgi Numit.

Now Meeyamgi Numit will also be held by DCs and SPs at the district level, he added.

N Biren also said that he understands the dedication of the State force and the risk they take.

But, sometimes a few individuals mar the image of the entire force with their wrongdoings and misconduct, he said, highlighting the arrest of some personnel in drug related cases.

He suggested stringent actions against any police personnel found involved in drug cases, including forced retirement for drug abusers and addicts in the force.

Urging the police higher-ups to screen out drug abusers from the force, he said such individuals slump the whole force's morale and diminish public trust in the force.

They could be taken back if they become clean again, he added.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the spike in hate and communal press statements issued among communities and similar social media comments over religion, territory etc and said this needs to be checked immediately.

He further advised the Directorate of Information and Public Relations and the Home Department to take the lead and after proper discussion with the media fraternity, stop the publication, broadcast and circulation of any such statements between communities or associations.

All these create unnecessary confusion and could harm the hard earned peace in the State, the Chief Minister observed.

"The law and order situation has improved but we still have to work harder", he said, further expressing desire to improve the intelligence network to strengthen the force further.

The Chief Minister said that today's India is a product of the many who had sacrificed for the Nation.

Similarly Manipur had also witnessed many sacrifices, he said.

"We should remember them all.

Let us protect India and Manipur and face any challenge on the unity and integrity of India and Manipur", he added.

In his presidential speech, Agriculture Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said that terrorism is today the biggest enemy of human civilization.

It is now time to think for the collective good and move towards making India the most developed country, he said appealing to all to shun violence and move forward together.

He further said that India by observing this day is spreading the message of peace and humanity and unity in diversity.

"Irrespective of caste, creed and religion, we should promote unity among ourselves", he said.

The Minister further appealed to all to join hands, to fight to protect humanity and combat terrorist activities.

Today's observation was also attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh, Ministers Letpao Haokip and Kashim Vashum, MP of Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP and officials, among others.

As a part of the observance, the Chief Minister also administered the Anti-Terrorism Day Pledge.

Bal Mukanda Dev Government Music College artistes also performed the closing and opening songs of the observance.