Welcome Kuki Inpi's acceptance of NRC, says CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2024: Chief Minister N Biren said that he heartily welcomes the acceptance by Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body of Kuki community, for implementing National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.

He made the remark in a function held at City Convention Centre, here on Thursday for distribution of benefits under various government schemes and launch of new schemes.

The newly launched schemes are Product Catalogue, Special Package to Successful Start-ups for Employment of IDPs in Manipur, CM Yarn Scheme (including Muga Silk buyback), Revised Comic Text Book, and Sportspersons Livelihood Guarantee Scheme.

The CM along with the cabinet ministers distributed benefits under 46 schemes to more than 4 lakh beneficiaries exceeding Rs 300 crore.

The benefits will be transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer to the account of the beneficiaries.

Speaking as the chief guest, Biren observed that the acceptance of NRC implementation in the state by Kuki Inpi Manipur, despite having some pre-conditions, is welcomed by the government.

Though the conditions could be sorted out, implementation of NRC would be an effective way of resolving the crisis, he said.

The CM said that he has no ill intention towards the Kuki community but had to take up campaign against drugs, prohibit poppy plantation and deforestation, and check influx of illegal immigrants from outside the country.

Regretting outbreak of the conflict which has rendered around 60,000 people homeless and over 200 killed, he said the government share the suffering of the people and hope that God will help the people in relief camps and provide solace to families of those killed in the conflict.

On the other hand, the CM expressed belief that the state will see a better future once the conflict is resolved and there will be no more confusion and conflict in the future.

Those, who gave their lives in the crisis will be remembered forever for their sacrifices, he said.

Biren also contended that people are well aware about condition of the state a decade back.

There was not a single RCC bridge along NH 37 but today, there are three RCC bridges.

There is no more road block despite experiencing landslides or other natural calamities.

There were no emergency support in the hill areas compared to two emergency helicopter services.

The country turned a blind eye when a woman of the state fasted for around 15 years.

Chittaranjan gave up his life against AFSPA and Robinhood died in the movement for ILP System.

There was a time when people shut their doors by 5 pm and mothers maintained vigil with torches in their hands to protect their sons.

People should not forget those horrifying times, he said, adding that his government put its best efforts in ensuring a better living standard to the people by ensuring security so that shops can open after dusk and men move out of their home without any worry.

Apart from citing initiatives like Imphal Evening and Kangla Nongpok Torban as his government's attempt to bring nightlife and better lifestyles in the state, the chief minister said development projects are being taken up in several hill districts and there are no more fake encounter incidents.

Reflecting on schemes and projects related to healthcare including CMHT and start-up scheme to support young entrepreneurs, Go to Hills, Go to Village, Widows pension scheme and others to ensure uniform development and collective welfare in the state, he highlighted the recent natural calamities and government's assistance towards the affected families.

Today, Meetei Sareng, which had gone extinct, has been revived under the initiative of his government.

There are plans to upgrade roads in Greater Imphal area to concrete road.

With such numerous initiatives, his government has enhance pace of development and growth in the state significantly in the last seven years, he added.

Unfortunately, the pace of growth and development came to a grinding halt when the crisis broke out, rued the chief minister while concedihg that the violence has affected all sections of the society.

Biren also said that the Central government has no intention to compromise on territorial integrity and identity of Manipur while pointing out that the BJP government brought ILP System, initiated biometric capturing of illegal immigrants and deported them, took decision to scrap Free Movement Regime (FMR), resumed border fencing works and is pursuing implementation of NRC.

The CM further informed that medical teams have been formed to help residents of relief camps with a team comprising doctors, nurses and multitasking staff visiting relief camps twice a week.

Around 68 teams have been formed and visited about 238 camps for health check-up of the camp residents, he continued and further informed that mental health counselling services are being provided to the residents with conduct of about 1436 free medical check-ups.

The benefits were distributed under different schemes including CMESS for Relief Camps inmates, Special Assistance of Rs 1 Lakh per family for displaced families in relief camps, Financial Assistance for Education of Children, College Students Rehabilitation Scheme, One Time Special Assistance, Hailstorm Relief, Flood Relief, CM's Yaipha Teng-bang Scheme and Incentives to Artisans among others.

The distribution of benefits under different schemes was also undertaken at the office of Deputy Commissioners concerned and departments in different districts.

Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, education minister Th Basanta Kumar, health minister Dr S Ranjan, transport minister Khashim Vashum, RD&PR minister Yumnam Khemchand, power minister Thongam Biswajit, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, Sekmai MLA H Dingo, Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, security advisor Kuldiep Singh, and high ranking civil and police officials also attended the function.

The district administration, Senapati along with other district level officers also attended the state-wide programme for distribution of benefits under various government schemes and launching of new schemes and programmes through video conference at DC Conference Hall, Senapati on Thursday.

Senapati DC Mamoni Doley distributed about 20 cheques to families affected by heavy rainfall and floods that occurred recently in the district.

The amount for relief assistance will be credited into the bank account of the affected persons from the sub-divisional offices concerned.

Comment