Religion, politics divided Manipur: Govindas
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 09 2025: If there were no religion and political divide, Manipur would have been a vibrant, cohesive and self-sustainable society, said Youth Affairs & Sports (YAS) minister Govindas Konthoujam, while expressing that religion and politics in-spite of regarded as inevitable for advancement of a society are causing fissures in the state.

As the chief guest at the 91st death anniversary observance of Maharaj Kullachandra Dhwaja organised jointly by Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighter of Kangleipak, Manipur and Ningthemcha Ningshing Lup at the auditorium of Manipur University on Sunday, Govindas said renaming Mt Harriet to Mt Manipur on the occasion of 75 years of India's independence testified that PM Narendra Modi respects and acknowledges the valour of Maharaj Kul-lachandra, who was exiled to Mt Harriet in Andaman & Nicobar Islands by the then British rule for refusing to compromise love and patriotism towards Manipur.

Religion, politics divided Manipur: Govindas

Stating that the recent release of 'Know Your Manipur' book by CM Biren and the broadcast of a documentary film on the Seven Years' Devastation on History Channel were aimed at making the youth population aware about historical events and valour of Manipuri forefathers, the minister also assured to consult the CM with regard to proposal by the Justice Committee for installation of a statue of Maharaj Kullachandra at Kangla on April 27 .

He further maintained that efforts would be made for next year's observance of the tribute event at Kangla Hall.

Responding to queries regarding the Congress' plan to move a no-confidence motion in the upcoming session of the Assembly, Govindas said that it is the liberty of Congress, which is the opposition, to move a no-confidence motion.

However, the motion would not affect the ruling government in any aspect as the opposition numbers are known to the people, he opined.

Regarding the CM's late night visit to Delhi, the minister said that the CM went to Delhi as per the instruction of the high command.

However, he (Govindas) is not aware of the details.

In his speech, Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak (Manipur) chairman Joychandra Konthoujam said that the present and future generation must never forget the sacrifices of our forefathers.

He continued that unity is our strength, adding that no community or group has taken root in the state with the ability to disintegrate Manipur at will.

"It is our responsibility to protect and preserve the state," he added.

The observance was attended by historian Prof Naorem Joykumar, Ningthemcha Ningshing Lup president Dr Rk Bidyabati Chanu and Manipur University vice chancellor Prof N Lokendra as presidium members.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of Maharaja Kullachandra and others martyred in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891, followed by a two-minute silence as a mark of respect.