No compromise on interest of indigenes, integrity: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 12 2024:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday released 'Writings & Speeches of Radhabinod Koijam - An Anthology', a compilation of essays penned by the former chief minister and compiled by critic L Memo, in a function held at JN Manipur Dance Academy, here.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, CM N Biren observed that suspension of Free Movement Regime (FMR) 50 years back would have prevented the current scenario besieging Manipur from happening.
He also assured to strive for bringing solution to the prevailing conflict, asserting that in search a viable solution there shall be no compromise on upholding interest of the indigenous community and safeguarding integration of Manipur.
He recounted that from 2006-18, around 1400 new villages were established in three districts, all of which can be proven via satellite mappings.
All of these resulted from failing to do the needful, with the bureaucrats standing on one side and politicians failing to oversee the process.
The present scene in Moreh is due to our own carelessness.
There are cases of officers giving away the land while ignoring the rules and regulations.
Thus, all these fuelled the fire in the hearts of the people, he said, while stating that Manipur's situation is due to the politicians failing to think and act for the sake of future generation.
Stating that a true leader is one who takes the future into consideration and works to prevent any unwanted situations from occurring, Biren acknowledged former CM Radhabinod as one such leader and an exceptional politician.
Many other prominent politicians have also been in the limelight, some truly sincere to the people, others more about lip-service than action, he remarked.
Biren also recalled the risks taken by the former CM for the state when insurgency was at its peak in Manipur.
He (Radhabinod) announced a unilateral ceasefire and tried to put an end to anti India movement.
If peace talks were held at that time, none of the killings would have occurred, he said.
Biren continued that Radhabinod Koijam laid the foundation for a rail-line from Diphu to Karong apart from writing to the then railways minister Nitish Kumar for bringing the railway project to Imphal-Jiri Road in 2001, thereby making it possible for the project to be taken up in Jiri at present.
In his address, Radhabinod said that the prevailing conflict is much worse than the Seven Years' Devastation.
The conflict is detrimental for the future generation and as such, the indigenous communities need to wake up.
He then said that the Meeteis, as one of the indigenous communities, will never back down when it comes to the matter of defending the integrity and unity of Manipur, as was previously stated by him many times in national papers, journals and magazines during his term from 2001-05.He then pointed out the difference of opinions and disunity between different bodies and organisations in the valley.
If we are to fulfil the wishes of the people, there is the need to cooperate and work together.
Even if the people favour a leader, he/she cannot become one without the approval of the centre.
As such, the centre trusts CM Biren, Radhabinod said and urged the people to extend their support to the chief minister to ensure his government is able to carry out its responsibilities to the people successfully.
Retired IAS office, Kangjam Radhakumar shared his thoughts on the book.
Presided over by Manipur University vice-chancellor Prof Naorem Lokendra, the book release function was also attended by JN Manipur Dance Academy director Pukhrambam Bilash as guest of honour, along with other MLAs, ex-MLAs and ex-ministers.
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