Settlers after 1961 are illegal immigrants: Biren
State's first ever water amusement park Inaugurated; similar facilities in nine locations soon
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 13 2024: Chief minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday declared that those who came and settled in Manipur after 1961 cannot be considered as bonafide citizens of the state but treated as illegal immigrants.

While expressing that Manipur as a state should remain as one, he acknowledged the urgent need for uniform development to foster camaraderie amongst the people while speaking as the chief guest during inauguration of state s first ever water amusement park at Thenguch-ingjin, Awang Potshangbam in Imphal East district on Wednesday.

According to the chief minister, people should understand that illegal immigrants are those who came to Manipur after 1961 and not whole communities and that those who came before 1961 are citizens of Manipur (India).

Though Manipur endured decades of difficulties and challenges, the state experienced peaceful environment where many developmental projects were taken up successfully.

However, Manipur has been undergoing tough days, he lamented with apparent reference to the ethnic conflict, while expressing hope that the struggle will end one day as state government is putting all means to restore everlasting peace and stability.

Stating that the state is not against any community, he asserted that the present crisis is fallout of the government's firm resolve and subsequent efforts to end poppy cultivation, drugs issue and illegal immigrants who enter state after 1961.The Kuki community has also started realising that the current conflict is not about demonising them but to those who are doing illegal activities and entering state after 1961.Meanwhile, expressing elation that people of Manipur shall have no need to enjoy amusement parks and spend money outside the state, Biren declared that more such amusement parks will be developed in different parts of the state, both in the hills and valley.

He also disclosed the government's plan to further expand the amusement park at Thenguchingjin by adding a trekking track for children and a toy train.

The chief minister, however, disclosed that the water amusement park would not be open to public as of now pending decision on whether the park shall be run by the government or entrust a private company to manage the facility.

He disclosed that nine more such amusement parks would be coming up in Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Noney, Senapati and Keirao with each to be developed at project cost of Rs 4.5 crore.

The chief minister also disclosed that sites for construction of a Unity Mall and a Convention Centre in Keikol area have been identified.

While acknowledging that only development could bring emotional attachment and oneness amongst the indigenous communities, the chief minister informed that the government's programmes like 'Go to Hills', 'Go to Village' and others were taken up after much deliberations and these programmes are beginning to reap fruit.

Regarding steps taken up by the government to provide relief to people affected by the unfortunate turn of events since May 3, 2023, the chief minister highlighted construction of prefabricated houses, provision of compensatory package to affected farmers, individual financial assistance, provision of books, uniform and other stationery for students.

Emphasising that the people need not take stress much, the chief minister said that the government is putting all efforts to bring back peace in the state.

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, who also attended the event, said that chief minister N Biren has not left any stone unturned in improving economic condition of the state.

When there is economic growth, there can be peace in the state, he added.

Water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, in his brief speech at the event, commended chief minister Biren for taking up different developmental projects across the state.

Expressing concern over self-styled expression of views and opinions in public platforms particularly during TV discussion programme, the chief minister called for exercising restraints while speaking on TV or other platforms so that such speeches do not provoke and offend other communities.

He cautioned that making provocative remarks amid the tension gripping the state may create unwanted situation among the communities in a sensitive state like Manipur.

The function was also attended by ministers Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi and security advisor Kuldiep Singh.

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