State pays tribute to Maharaj Gambhir Singh
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 09 2025: Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the observance of 191st Death Anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at the Samadhi of the Maharaj at Langthabal, Imphal on Thursday.

The observance was organised by the State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.

Speaking at the occasion, CM Biren stated that the observance was held to pay humble tribute to Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra and their troops who defeated the Burmese and liberated Manipur in 1826 .

"Till today, the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers for a united Manipur are unparalleled and the present and future generations should never forget their valour and courage.

Considering their importance and significance in our lives, the government has been constructing memorials, statues, etc., in the state," he said.

The CM then mentioned that a documentary film, titled "Chahi Taret Khuntakpa" will be released at Kangla on Thursday.

The 22-minute-long film is directed by Romi Meitei, an acclaimed film director, and would be telecasted in the History Channel.

Recounting that the film took nearly three years to complete, Biren said that the objective of producing the film is to highlight the significance of recalling the virtues and legacy of our great forefathers.

"It is our bounden duty to know our roots and legacy of our ancestors, only then we can preserve and protect our culture, tradition, and land," he reminded, adding that the spirit of nationalism amongst the current generation, particularly the youth is under question, especially considering the rising drug abuse cases and degrading decorum.

Accordingly, the film was produced with the intent to instil the spirit of nationalism and discipline among the youth while making them aware of the legacies of our forefathers, he added.

He also announced that a historical feature film will be produced soon and will be screened in cinema theatres for public audience, while appreciating the director and crew of the film for their efforts in making the film.

The CM further maintained that a new museum equipped with modern technology will be developed at Samadhi of Maharaj Gambhir Singh with an estimated project cost of around Rs 40 crore.

He appreciated the chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi for the initiative, adding that the idea for this project is to instil the spirit of nationalism, unity, and integrity to the present generations of our state.

He then informed that old Langthabal Palace will be developed with an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore and a Committee will be constituted consisting of teachers from universities.

A project on rejuvenation of Chandranadi River will be taken up with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore for the initial phase, he added.

The CM maintained that the illegal structures being constructed at the road side along the National Highway 102 near Manipur University will be removed immediately.

He also informed that a library will be constructed at the location of the Manipur Central library equipped with national standard facility.

Biren further maintained that the construction of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) roads will begin in the greater Imphal area with the project cost of around Rs 3,300 crore.

He informed that proper compensation will be given to the affected land owners however encroachment and illegally constructed structures will be evicted.

He also sought support of the people for successful implementation of the said project.

To showcase the inclusiveness of the state's integrity, Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou was developed.

Similar to this, a Unity Mall is currently under construction, and it will feature stalls representing all recognised communities, he disclosed.

Biren went on to say that the suffering we are facing at present is for the sake of the people, the state and the future.

The state government recognises 34 communities.

Among these, the communities currently in conflict belong to Paite, Vaiphei, Thadou, Mate and Gangte.

However, these tribes have been in living in harmony with other indigenous communities since time immemorial.

Regarding the current conflict, he stated that it was caused by outsiders and some insiders who acted out of self-interest to disintegrate the state.

He continued that the present situation cannot be handled without the unity and cooperation of all communities.

"The solution will not come by scolding me.

Instead, by putting our heads together and working alongside each other, we can bring up a solution.

The conflict will end only went we unite and deal with it together," he asserted.

He then urged all to discuss the old records of the Revenue and Forest Departments including the rules and regulations, instead of discussing the conflict or statements made by the leaders in this regard on TV programmes.

In addition, the current birth ratio and fertility rate of major communities like the Meetei, Naga and Meitei Panggal should be discussed.

Leave the discussion of the conflict to security forces, he asserted.

Acknowledging the importance of preserving the rich art and culture of the state, he said that the state government had announced a pension scheme of Rs 2,500 to 4,000 for artistes above 60 years of age.

So far, around 900 artistes have benefited from the scheme.

For artistes who have represented the state at national and international level, a pension of Rs 4,000 to 6,000 has been given.

Responding to questions from newspersons, CM Biren lauded the initiative taken up by the union home minister and his ministry to set up a pass between Myanmar and Manipur to allow movement upto 10 km.

In this regard, apart from Assam Rifles, the Manipur police and the officials of the DC concerned have taken up the task, he informed, and urged those assigned along the Indo-Myanmar border to perform their duties sincerely.

He also appealed to all concerned to help prevent the influx of illegal immigrants with the new security measures and machanism.

Regarding the death of a displaced person at the relief camp opened in Mekola, the CM informed that a case has been registered and investigation is underway.

As per reports available, the deceased did not express any discontent in staying at the camp and faced any harassment.

The deceased apparently took the extreme step due to family problems, he conveyed.

Delivering his presidential speech, Forest minister Th Biswajit Singh stated that it is our duty to remind the present and future generations the importance of maintaining the integrity of the state and how bur forefathers kept the state intact.

The observance began with a performance of Dhop Pala performed by the Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy.

The CM led other cabinet ministers in paying floral tributes to the portrait of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and to the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra.

This was followed by the Guard of Honour, Gun Salute, sounding of Last Post by the contingents of Manipur Rifles, Tarpon Katpa, and obeisance to the Dhop Pala.

As part of the observance, the CM laid the foundation stone of Maharaj Gambhir Singh Museum.

The programme was attended by Langthabal AC MLA Karam Shyam as guest of honour, and the cabinet ministers, Hill Area Committee chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, DGP Rajiv Singh, advocate general Lenin Singh Hijam, administrative secretaries, high ranking police officials, officials of the department and residents of Langthabal AC among others.

Later, the screening of the film was held at the Kangla Hall and attended by Health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, CAF&PD minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Fisheries minister Heikham Dingo, Water Resource minister Awangbou Newlai and the film's director Romi Meitei.

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