No compromise on Integrity of Manipur, asserts CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 26 2023: Strongly condemning use of abusive words against him in a solidarity rally in Mizoram which was even participated by Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga, chief minister N Biren Singh cautioned that outcome of intervention in the internal affairs of Manipur by neighbouring states would be perilous to all.

Terming abusive words used against him in the Mizoram rally as acts of barbarism, N Biren advised Zoramthanga to keep away from the internal matters of other states.

Addressing the gathering during observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Secretariat (South Block) conference hall Wednesday, CM Biren condemned the resolution taken by the European Parliament regarding the crisis in Manipur and portraying it as a clash between Hindus and Christians, without knowing the ground reality.

While asserting that he is not the Manipuri to be easily carried away of dread the European Parliament's resolution taken in the interest of people coming from outside and trying to seize land of India and Manipur by playing victim card and articulating fabricated stories, he reaffirmed the state government's stance to identify illegal immigrants and flush them out of the state.

The chief minister also maintained that the tension in the state is between the government and elements who want to disturb peaceful co-existence of the ethnic communities in Manipur.

The tension erupted as the state government launched crackdowns against the drug cartels, Biren said adding that state government is not against the Kuki community who had been residing in the state since a long time.

Continuing that the state government stands solidly against the demand for Separate Administration, N Biren said the government would not succumb to any threat and warned elements challenging integrity of Manipur of paying a high price.

As long as blood flows in my body, let's see what kind of Separate Administration those unsocial elements have, he said while maintaining that Churachandpur, Kang-pokpi and Moreh are all parts of Manipur and no one can act whimsically in these areas.

According CM Biren, Manipur had witnessed clashes among different communities in the past like the Naga-Kuki, Kuki Paite and Meetei-Meetei Pangal but the communities had been residing together again as brothers after the problems were sorted out.

As such, all can live together again as before, he said and appealed all to cooperate in restoring peace and abstaining from violence.

Deeply concerned over release of a short video clip just before the commencement of Parliament session by some power hungry leaders who could even bargain with their motherland, CM Biren said whoever is or are behind the nefarious act will he ultimately exposed and never be successful in life again.

Appreciating contribution of central security forces in the government's initiative to restore peace and normalcy, Biren stressed the need to work with more sincerity and transparency.

He maintained that protecting lives of the people is the responsibility of the Central and the state government.

Stating that government had been making all efforts to restore peace and normalcy by holding talks with different stakeholders and representatives of different communities, N Biren informed the gathering that the government has started constructing prefabricated houses at different places to shelter those displaced due to the current unrest.

Steps have been taken up to ensure supply of essential items to relief camps, he added.

Addressing the issue of loss of forest areas in the hills, he regretted that some individuals are disregarding the Indian Forest Act enforced in the state and cautioned that both the central and state governments will take stern action against those who violate the Indian Forest Act.

Regarding the Kargil Vijay Diwas observance, N Biren said the day is observed on July 26 in India to celebrate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War after flushing out Pakistani forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops in Indian territory in 1999.He stressed the need to respect every soldier who had sacrificed their lives for the cause of the motherland.

In his speech at the event, Rural Development and Pan-chayati Raj Minister Yumnam Khemchand commended valour and resilience of the Indian army in crushing the Pakistani soldiers in the Kargil War, adding that the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers made it possible for us to.

defend the freedom and the integrity of our country.

As such, the people of this country had been observing Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 to remember the victory brought by our brave soldiers.

Continuing his speech, Khemchand appealed all the people of Manipur to help in bringing peace and harmony in the state considering the hardships faced by displaced people due to the current unrest in the state.

Ministers, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Yineet Joshi, security advisor Kuldiep Singh, high ranking civil and police officials also attended the event among others.

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