Today's suffering will ensure a bright future: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 22 2023: "The people of Manipur have been suffering extreme misery on account of the protracted crisis.

Let us suffer for some more time so that the future generations can live with dignity for 1000 years", asserted Chief Minister N Biren.

Iningthou Kulachandra, a theatrical play produced by the Rupmahal Theatre premiered today at the Rupmahal Theatre with Chief Minister N Biren gracing the premiere.

Iningthou Kulachandra, produced under Chief Ministergi Artiste Sing Gi Tengbang (CMAT), is the 246th stage play of the Rupmahal Theatre.

Speaking at the premiere show, N Biren stated, "Today, we live with pride as Manipuris because heroes like Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Heerachandra valiantly defended Manipur" .

Today's suffering will ensure a bright future: CM

The Burmese invasion and the resultant Seven Years' Devastation (1819-1826) is not a very distant historical event, he said.

"We need to know well about all such historical events', Biren said.

There was no boundary fence at any section of the 398 Kms long Manipur (India)- Myanmar boundary and there was a free movement regime for up to 16 Kms on either side of the international boundary, the Chief Minister lamented.

There were many lapses on the part of politicians, academicians and social activists for a very long time.

"There were many things which must have been done but we did not do", the Chief Minister said.

Between 2006 and 2021, more than 1000 new Kuki villages sprang up.

The Suspension of Operation (SoO) was signed in 2005 without concurrence of the State Government and there were no rules or regulations.

The conspiracy to disintegrate Manipur started some 20/30 years back, Biren asserted.

"There are many people who are shouting on platforms, claiming to be patriots.

They see us as insignificant or nothing", Biren remarked.

He then asked, "Should I disclose all plans and strategies if I must fight a war?" .

There are also many people who have been acting like heroes in social media and TV discussion programmes, he said and added that the aggression aimed at disintegrating Manipur must be fought back with proper planning.

"10 years back I highlighted the difficult position of the people of Manipur in a Facebook post/tweet in 2013.Some politicians/leaders mocked and are deriding me as living Tikendrajit", Biren said.

"People will come to know under which strategy we fought the aggression when the results are visible.

I joined electoral politics to protect Manipur and Manipuri Nation, and I remain committed to the same cause", he asserted.

The play Iningthou Kulachandra would educate the present and future generations on Maharaj Kulachandra's spirit and sacrifices, he said.

"Many stories of Iningthou Kulachandra which were unknown even to me are known well to Central leaders.

The contributions and heroic deeds of Kulachandra during his short stint as the king of Manipur must be documented well and told to the whole world", Biren said.

He remarked that Maharaj Kulachandra's love for Manipur is commendable.

After Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and others were hanged to death on the charge of waging war against the British empire, Kulachandra was exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Before he was exiled, Kulachandra was asked to tender an apology and sign a declaration not to ever wage war against the British empire.

Kulachandra, instead of giving in to the coercion, gave a sharp reply saying that he would sign the declaration only after the British empire gave a written assurance that they would never again challenge the sovereignty of Manipur.

"Like Queen Elizabeth, I am also the king of a country.

Asking one king to tender apology to another king is unacceptable", Kulachandra stated, according to N Biren.

After his release from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kulachandra did not return to Manipur but spent his last days at Brindavan saying "what will I do in Manipur when my people have been colonised by the British empire," said the Chief Minister.

He said that he was personally struck by certain deeds of Maharaj Kulachandra and wanted to highlight his story, and said that the play will give the message of the sacrifices of 'our leaders' .

He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs renamed Mount Harriet of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur in commemoration of Maharaj Kulachandra's indomitable spirit and patriotism.

Further highlighting the significance and importance of historical events, N Biren stated that a film is being made on the 'Seven Years Devastation' and heroes like Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Maharaj Nara Singh and Heerachandra.

The Chief Minister highlighted the historical importance of the Rupmahal Theatre and assured to reconstruct the theatre at the cost of around Rs 4 crore.

Theatre has a big role in bringing changes to society, he said, highlighting the importance of various art forms like theatre, cinema etc.

N Biren Singh also spoke of the State's prowess in the fields of art, culture and sports and said that the CMAT was launched to support the artistes of the State.

He highlighted the importance of promoting and encouraging Thang-ta amongst the younger generation and said Thang-ta not only keeps a person physically fit, but also instills discipline.

Biren lamented that the sense of patriotism, discipline, respect for elders and civility seems to be diminishing among the youth today.

The function was also attended by Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo Singh and many artistes, among others.