National Unity Day : Biren calls for collective efforts to safeguard integrity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 31 2023: "Even if there are political and ideological differences among us, we must all work collectively to protect the integrity of Manipur and India", stated Chief Minister N Biren.

As observed across the country, the State too joined the National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles parade ground.

BSF, CRPF, Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles, IRB and NCC cadets took out march past parades and their salutes were received by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to the Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, top ranking civil and police officials present at the function.

Speaking at the gathering, N Biren said that October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is observed as the National Unity Day in recognition of his contribution towards a strong, unified India.

National Unity Day : Biren calls for collective efforts to safeguard integrity

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also a well known freedom fighter.

He led a number of non-violent and civil disobedience movements against British colonial rule.

He also took leading roles in the Quit India Movement, Biren said.

After Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel again took pivotal roles in building a new India as the country's Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

The biggest contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the unification of over 500 British provinces and independent Princely States under the Indian Independence Act 1947 to make a united and strong India, the Chief Minister asserted.

"A strong and powerful India can be achieved if there is a sense of unity among us which transcends all differences", he said.

He then appealed to one and all to work collectively to safeguard the integrity of Manipur.

It is not time to harbour parochial political outlooks and take undue political advantage, he said.

He went on to claim that the Government has taken up many schemes in such areas as education, economy etc.

Biren appealed to all concerned to set aside political differences and work collectively to facilitate dialogue in order to bring a solution to the protracted crisis.

He also appealed to the media fraternity not to publish press statements which can incite enmity and conflict among different communities.

The Government alone cannot bring peace in Manipur but every citizen must contribute toward restoration of peace and normalcy in the State, the Chief Minister said.

"Let us all march together on a positive and constructive path in order to consolidate the integrity of Manipur and bring about collective development.

This will, in turn, bring stability and harmony", Biren said.

With the State Government, CSOs, Meira Paibis, MLAs and Ministers working at their best level to bring peace in the State, peace has started returning to the State.

Although there were highly unwanted incidents in the past, different communities have taken a path of reconciliation, he claimed.

A united and powerful India is emerging under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India is now emerging as a leading country in terms of economy, defence and infrastructure, Biren claimed.

He also underscored the growing need to protect environment and ameliorate global climate change.

Manipur is now facing severe impacts of climate change.

The rainfall rate was quite low this year, he said.

He also called upon all the people to work collectively to protect and conserve forests, lakes, rivers and mountains.