Manipur observes 52nd Statehood Day
CM pays homage to martyred security personnel, civilians
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, January 21 2024:
Manipur observed the 52nd Statehood Day at the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground today.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, several Ministers and MLAs took part in the ceremony.
During the observance, N Biren Singh saluted security personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and also paid homage to civilians who have lost their lives in the present violent conflict.
Speaking as chief guest, N Biren condemned the killing of innocent farmers in Bishnupur district in the strongest terms and said such attacks on civilians are inhumane and cowardly acts.
Those who are challenging the unity and integrity of the State should know that the indigenous people of the State will come together and unite to meet any such challenge, he said, adding the State's security force is ready to face any challenges.
"The State security force is ready for any challenges.
It would be wise to cease attacks on civilians," N Biren said.
If there is a scope for dialogue, the CM said he is "ready" .
The Chief Minister further informed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, recently, has given an assurance to end the Free Move- ment Regime and fence Myanmar border.
The Union Minister has also categorically rejected any proposal to form a separate administration, and moreover he has informed that the National Register of Citizens will be implemented in Manipur.
The assurance to end the Free Movement Regime and fence Myanmar border is the biggest gift the Centre has given to the people of Manipur, he said.
The Chief Minister appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the assurance.
Showing concern for displaced people in relief camps, N Biren said all the Deputy Commissioners should visit the camps at least once in a week and interact with the individuals and families to know their grievances.
He said the Government is putting in all efforts to safeguard and protect the State.
"We are Indians.
Every life is precious," he said.
Manipur, then a princely State was merged into Bharat in 1949 and was granted Statehood in 1972, the Chief Minister said.
In the past few years, the Government has shown its commitment to inclusive development and has been working towards bringing development across the State without any divisions between the hills and the valley, he said.
Many changes were brought in various sectors including health, education, road infrastructure which resulted in the State topping the India Today survey for three consecutive years, he added.
The Government believes that there can be no peace and unity without uniform development.
As such, the Government has been developing infrastructure in the hills over the past five years bringing huge changes, he said, highlighting various projects taken up in the hill districts.
N Biren said his Government takes keen interest in bringing development to the hills in various sectors including sports, education, health infrastructure and employment.
Many educational institutions have been upgraded and sports facilities like indigenous wrestling stadium in Senapati, Youth Skill Development Centres in district headquarters have been set up in the hills, he said.
However, unfortunately, the unwanted incidents of May 3 last have stopped development works in some districts, he added.
Altogether 10 contingents took part in the march past parade with Ksh Ravikumar Singh, CO 1st MR as the parade commander.
A closing song was also presented by the artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Govt Music College, Imphal.
The function was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, HAC Chairman, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, police and civil officers, IGAR (S) and senior officers from paramilitary forces.
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