CM vows world class upgrade of Makhel heritage site
Senapati district will be made capital of indigenous Wrestling: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 26 2022: Chief minister N Biren has announced that the state government would soon develop the Makhel heritage site in Senapati district into a world class heritage site cum tourist destination.

On Saturday, CM Biren inaugurated Makhel Heritage Festival, which is being organised as part of Manipur Sangai Festival under the theme 'Festival of Oneness', at Makhel village.

Mao MLA Losii Dikho presided over the inaugural function which was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba, Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho Pfoze, PHE minister L Susindro, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, transport minister Khashim Vasum and Karong MLA J Kumo as special guests.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Biren expressed delight on being able to complete the heritage site in time before the festival.

While informing the gathering that development of the heritage site was initiated with a funding of around Rs 5 crore, the CM reiterated that further development works will be taken up with additional funding of Rs 5 to 10 crore.

The new works will include construction of museum, conference halls, guesthouse and cottages among other tourism infrastructure to promote and include the site on the global tourist map.

Moreover, the government will renovate the road that the Japanese Army used during their WW2 campaign, he assured.

While recounting that during his stint in the BSF and as a journalist, he felt a sense of chasm among the indigenous communities of the state and as such explored ways to unite the people of the state, which ultimately led him into the held of politics.

Biren said he moved a private member resolution for bringing peace and unity among the indigenous communities when he first attended the state assembly session after winning the assembly election in 2022.Led by his commitment, his government launched Go to Hills mission to address the hardships faced by people in the hills due to lack of basic amenities.

The government has been working hard to bring equal development since.

its formation in 2017, he said.

An indigenous wrestling stadium with facility for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at a sanctioned cost of Rs 7.5 crore will be constructed in Senapati district and the construction of stadium at Karong would be completed soon.

Once completed, Senapati district will have a sports complex, which will be next to Khuman Lampak in terms of size and facilities.

He also said the construction of stadiums at Oklong would be completed soon and a gallery would also be constructed for the same.

Biren also spoke about the various initiatives taken up by his government to provide safe drinking water, electric connection and healthcare facilities in every nook and corner of the state while asserting that development gaps and lack of attention from the government are among the major causes of distrust.

He said that organising events at Makhel is not just for celebration of the Sangai Festival, but also to bring together the people of different tribe, who were once believed to have left Makhel to reside at different places.

He also appreciated the residents for preserving the centuries old structures that show the close relationship among Meetei, Naga and Ahom.

He called for forgetting past mistakes and walking together on the path of unity, integrity, peace and development by joining hands.

Concluding his speech, the CM invited people of the state to visit the beautiful heritage site at Makhel and enjoy the festive mood by giving respect to one another.

He also thanked different cultural troupes from within and outside the state for participating in the festival.

Biren also inaugurated Manipur Heritage Site, a Protected Historical Site and Makhel Heritage Museum in Makhel village during the programme.

In his presidential speech, Mao MLA Losii Dikho narrated the folktales he heard in his childhood days and recalled the story about three brothers who left Makhel for different places with the promise to meet again.

He appreciated the chief minister for his initiatives and far-sighted vision, which have made the gathering of different communities at Makhel possible.

He continued that the chief minister put every effort to bring people of all communities together and as such the Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 is being celebrated as the 'Festival of Oneness' at different locations across the state.

The main highlights of the programme were presentation of folk songs, festival theme song and showcase of Ahom, Meetei, Chakhesang, Saranamai and Kalinamai traditional and cultural dances by different troupes from within and outside the state.

Chief minister Biren also attended the valedictory programme of the Manipur Indigenous Wrestling championship held as a part of Sangai Festival 2022 on Saturday at Mini Stadium, Senapati.

Speaking as the chief guest, chief minister N Biren affirmed that Senapati district will be made the state capital of Indigenous Wrestling and declared that whenever there's any indigenous wrestling event in the state, it should be held in Senapati district.

To bring about changes in the hills, various programmes and schemes like Go to Hills, Go to Village, etc.

have been formulated to reach out people far wide in the state.

Now, the state government is on the verge of delivering Health for All at doorstep so that free services like free treatment would reach to all, the CM maintained.

He also appealed to every citizen of Manipur to come forward and lend support and cooperation to the government.

Meanwhile, in 65 kg-plus category competition of the championship, Ningthoujam Sheetal Singh took the first position, Rakhovei Liimai secured the second prize and L Moses finished third.

In the 65 Kg below category, Apao Tho claimed the top prize followed by M Dai Zho in second and SK Veilou third.

The programme was attended by MP Leishemba Sanajaoba Singh, MP Outer Parliament Dr Lorho Phoze, Veterinary & AH minister Khashim Vashum, PHE minister L Susindro Meitei, MLA J Kumo Sha, CSO leaders, village chairmen and secretaries and former wrestling champions among others.

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