CM seeks support of veterans to restore peace
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 14 2025: Stating that the government needs cooperation and support of armed forces veterans in improving the law and order situation in the state, chief minister N Biren Singh invited positive suggestions and advices from the veterans towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

The CM was addressing veterans and their families at the observance of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day-2025, held at the Banquet Hall of First Battalion, Manipur Rifles on Tuesday.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observance, Biren highlighted the importance of Armed Forces Veterans' Day, adding that it is observed to remember and honour the sacrifices of the armed forces for the nation.

He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for soldiers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

CM seeks support of veterans to restore peace

Stressing that the government has already sanctioned Rs 3 crore for construction of a memorial park for soldiers of the Indian armed forces from the state who have laid down their lives for the nation; the CM said that a site, measuring half an acre, has been identified at Lamphelpat.

Once the site is constructed, any memorial day or observance related to veterans and soldiers of the Armed Forces can be organised there, he conveyed.

Biren also said that the state has produced two Army officers in the rank of Lieutenant Generals in the Indian Army.

He had met the commanding officer of a nuclear submarine, who happened to be from the state, and also noted that around 350 from the state are currently serving as officers in the combined defence forces.

Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, the nation s dependence on foreign countries for procurement of defence machinery have minimised.

This was made possible through the implementation of Atmanirbhar Bharat programme that aims to make the country self-reliant in its defence sector, he remarked.

The CM also praised two other natives of the state, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh who sacrificed his live trying to protect civilians in Afghanistan and Major Bob Khathing for the valour and courage showed by these officers while performing their duties.

He further spoke at length on the need for people to understand the land's history prop erly, while mentioning the 22-minute-long film "Chahi Taret Khuntakpa", which was recently released.

This film, he said, will soon be telecasted on History Channel.

He stressed on the historical significance of Chahi Taret Khunthakpa and stated it was the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo that once again recognised the sovereignty of Manipur.

In addition, the re-naming of Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur by the central government has shown the central leaders' care and indepth knowledge of the state's history, Biren continued.

The CM then informed that the rejuvenation work of Lamphelpat Water Bodies, extending to around 430 acres, is being taken up at a project cost of around Rs 650 crore.

Delivering his presidential speech, forest minister Th Biswajit Singh stated that the state has been observing the Armed Forces Veterans' Day since 2017 and continue to honour the armed forces personnel for their courage and dedication towards the nation.

The present and the future generations must continue to honour their sacrifices rendered for the protection of the nation, he asserted.

During the programme, the CM felicitated distinguished and gallantry award winning veterans and Veer Naris as a mark of respect for their service towards the nation.

The function was attended by ministers, advocate general, Hill Area Committee chairman, MPs, MLAs, security advisor, chief secretary, administrative secretaries, high ranking police officials, armed force veterans among others.