Govt will continue war on drugs, save youth: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 07 2024: The government will continue to wage war against illegal drugs to protect the future generations of Manipur, asserted chief minister N Biren.

As chief guest of the silver jubilee celebration of Herbert School at Changangei on Thursday, Biren said that the on-going conflict would have never turned communal or occurred in the first place if there were no misunderstandings between the people.

The government only took action to protect the youth of the state from the drug influence of illegal immigrants from Myanmar.

The influence of drugs in schools and colleges is quite high, as observed by government officials.

Subsequently, the war on drugs campaign was launched, generating healthy support from the people.

Although the mission has been slowed down due to the conflict, the government will continue to fight against illegal drugs, he reiterated.

Biren said the state cannot accept illegal immigrants under the guise of inclusiveness.

"All the 34 government-recognised tribes in the state, including Thadou, Hmar, Gangte, Tangkhul, Mao, and Maram, have been given indigenous status.

These tribes are the original settlers of the land.

While we support inclusiveness, we cannot accommodate outsiders or illegal immigrants in the name of inclusiveness, as we do not have the capacity for that.

It would obliterate our indigenous communities," he added.

The chief minister further highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "nation-first'' approach, which he urged everyone to follow.

He emphasised that the people of Manipur are enduring hardships for the benefit of future generations and that protecting the rights of indigenous communities must remain a top priority.

As such, his politics is based on safeguarding the integrity of the state and the nation, and to protect the identities of the communities, not to end them, the CM contended.

Reflecting on Donald Trump's win in the US presidential elections, CM Biren attributed the victory to two factors - his (Trump) promise to prevent any nuclear war and commitment to stop the influx of illegal migrants into the US.

The CM continued that the survival or existence of a state or nation depends on its citizens.

In European countries, there are increasing instances of illegal migrants committing crime against the natives but facing little to no punishment, he noted.

Stating that the state is currently in a transitional phase, Biren maintained that as thousands have been displaced and many killed, a politician should have a firm attitude and commitment for the future generations instead of wasting time and pursuing self-interests.

Regarding the function, Biren said that Herbert School has been a huge impact in the northeast, while remarking that government schools were motivated and are now able to bag top positions in exam rankings.

He continued that a healthy competition is necessary , adding that the increasing competition between government and private schools will produce results which would ultimately be good for the state.

Informing that 63 students have been selected for the professional free coaching scheme, he added that 40 per cent of the quota is reserved for private schools.

Mentioning that education is the backbone of the society, Biren said that the present students are the future of Manipur.

He then said that the formation of the syllabus committee will ensure all are made aware of their origins and history, thereby promoting love and understanding.

On the attack at Itham Moirang Purel, Biren responded that the area is being guarded by army and paramilitary forces.

On questions of any political changes to the state, Biren pointed out that the political changes were brought in 2017, while leaving the future to the almighty.

The function was also attended by Education minister Th Basanta as guest of honour, Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor (Keba) Singh as special guest, and Herbert School principal Dr Konjengbam Nabachandra Singh as president.

Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti also attended the celebration.

As part of the celebration, the dignitaries released a souvenir, followed by a felicitation function of students who cracked NEET.

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