Memorial for Manipuri Indian armed forces soon: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 16 2022: Chief minister N Biren Singh has assured development of a memorial park of the soldiers of Indian armed forces (army, navy and air force) of Manipur who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

While revealing about the memorial project at the 'Vijay Diwas' observance held at 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, here, on Friday, CM Biren also announced that an amount of Rs 3 crore has been earmarked for the same.

The chief minister further said that Vijay Djwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to remember the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian defence forces during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

"As a mark of respect to the brave soldiers of the state who had sacrificed their lives for the nation, like Major Bob Khathing and Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, who died fighting a suicide bomber during an attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, the martyrs' memorial complex would be constructed and completed before January 26, 2024 so that we can pay our respects and tributes for their sacrifices".

While recalling the India-Pakistan War wherein the Pakistani army bombarded 11 airfields in India and blocked all passages, he said, "It is a historic war in which India swiftly responded to a planned Pakistan aggression in 1971 and resulted in the creation of Bangladesh following the surrender of Pakistan Army before India".

CM Biren, while expressing doubt over the very existence of a 'stable government' during the time of the 'Mumbai Terror Attack', said that it was very unfortunate for the then government to have remained silent and doing nothing to save the reputation of the country.

With reference to the quick response by the Modi government in the wake of the attack on a CRPF convoy by militants in Kashmir, the chief minister said: "Now under the rule of Narendra Modi, swift actions are taken against any attack on the people of India.

Today, it is not the India we knew of before; it is not anymore, the earlier North East".

Reminiscing the Chinese aggression of 1962, CM Biren said that we all know in what manner and tone the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru left the north east during the Chinese aggression of 1962.However, during the recent Tawang incident, PM Modi, in the true colour of a leader, took up all measures necessary in the interest of the country.

There is a vast difference between the attitude of Jawaharlal Nehru and Narendra Modi when the issue of north eastern states rises.

"To the BJP, nationalism comes first.

There are some who do politics in the name of loving northeast.

But these 'some' should understand that action speaks louder than words".

India has today become a strong nation under PM Narendra Modi and cannot be taken lightly by any other country, he said, while highlighting India's power including Thursday's test-firing of the Agni-V nuclear capable missile.

CM Biren also highlighted the state's achievement of being identified as one of the 'Most Improved States' for three consecutive years, and said that Manipur is moving forward in development.

Crediting the government officials including security personnel and public for the achievement, the chief minister commended ministers, MLAs, government officials and public for all the support and cooperation.

While asserting that around 35-36 communities settling in the state can never be separated, he made an earnest appeal to the people to forego single community centric agendas and instead work for a common good.

He also deliberated on the need to seek government's assent or approval before taking up any work on government property or land.

The chief minister also offered his obeisance to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Minister Thongam Biswajit, in his presidential speech, said that the day is being observed every year to remember the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the India-Pakistan War of 1971 .

He expressed that the sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers also laid a strong foundation for mutual respect and relation between India and Bangladesh.

Artistes of the Shri Shri Balmukunda Dev Government Music College performed the opening and closing songs of the observance, which was also attended by ministers, advocate general, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, DGP P Doungel, PCCF, officers of central forces and senior government officials, among others.

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