Rich tributes paid to Maharaj Narasingh
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 11 2023: The 173rd death anniversary of Narasingh was observed today at Kangla during which floral tributes were paid to the portrait of the late king at his memorial tomb.

The observation was organized by the State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh led other dignitaries in paying floral tributes besides offering tarpan at Nungjeng Pukhri, Kangla.

The Chief Minister also paid obeisance to the Shree Shree Govinda Ji Jalakeli Pala led by Maharajkumari Hemamanjuri.

Addressing the gathering, N Biren Singh expressed satisfaction that the death anniversary function of Maharaj Narasingh is becoming bigger with greater participation of Government officials and the public.

Rich tributes paid to Maharaj Narasingh

The Chief Minister highlighted the need for the present generation to remember and honour the sacrifices made by the great forefathers in defending the freedom of the motherland.

He expressed concern that the present generation seemed to have forgotten the contributions of the forefathers and many youth are getting addicted to drugs and intoxicants.

Acknowledging the heroic efforts of Maharaj Narasingh and Herachandra in driving away the Burmese and ending the Seven Years Devastation in 1826, the State Government has installed their statues beside the statue of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Canchipur, Biren said.

Apart from this, a bigger statue of Maharaj Narasingh had also been installed in front of the Kangla Western Gate.

Besides, installation of another statue of Maharaj Narasingh at Moreh near the Ningthi River has been completed and it would be inaugurated soon, he added.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to maintain unity among different communities residing across the State, adding that the State Government had set up traditional huts representing different indigenous tribes of Manipur at the Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou to showcase and promote 'our rich indigenous cultures'.

He informed that the delegates of G20 who visited the State earlier this year were surprised to see the beauty and diversity of the State's culture and tradition.

Facilitating influx and settlement of non-indigenous people who do not belong to the 35 tribes of Manipur with a diabolic motive to dominate the indigenous people would not be tolerated, the Chief Minister stated.

Biren said that the State is moving forward towards development with considerable improvement in law and order situation, adding that domestic and foreign tourists do not have any misgiving in visiting the State.

He continued that the State has become an attractive destination because of the support of the public in maintaining peace across the State.

As such, many events like G20, Tri-Nation Football Tournament and Grand Finale of Femina Miss India are being held in the State, he added.

Further stating that the habit of cleanliness is associated with 'our culture and tradition' since time immemorial, he informed that the Police Department has been instructed to pull up those people who throw garbage in rivers thereby polluting the rivers.

He further informed that bottle banks have also been installed at different places to drop plastic bottles.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the people of the State have been able to live as a civilization because of the selfless sacrifices and contribution made by 'our forefathers' .

He expressed the need for all communities to live together as one and join hands to take the State to a new height of development.

He also informed that the State Government would start a mass tree plantation drive in the coming rainy season in various hill and valley areas of Manipur and sought support of the people to the same.

Hailing the people of Maram community for their efforts to save trees in the name of their ancestors, Biren appealed to all the people to save one tree each and protect them in the name of forefathers.

Delivering his presidential speech, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stressed the importance of remembering and honouring the great forefathers for their heroic efforts to drive the Burmese soldiers away during the period of Seven Years Devastation.

Maharaj Narasingh was one of the kings of Manipur who had taken a significant role in saving the Manipur civilization from the atrocities of the Burmese soldiers, he added.

Talking about development and progress of the State under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, he maintained that the developmental gap between the hill and valley region had been bridged by taking up various welfare initiatives.

He continued that the law and order situation of the State has considerably improved and many tourists have started visiting the State in recent years.

Guard of honour, gun salute and sounding of last post by a contingent of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles were the highlights of the observation.

Two-minute silence was also observed by all as a mark of respect to late Maharaj Narasingh.

Transport Minister Kashim Vashum, Member of Parliament Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLA of Wangkhei AC Thangjam Arunkumar, MLA of Moirang AC Thongam Shanti, MLA of Wangoi Khuraijam Loken, MLA of Oinam AC Irengbam Nalini Devi, Director General of Police P Doungel and senior Government officials also attended the observation, among others.