CM Biren urges students not to indulge in agitations

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh has appealed to the students against joining agitations and taking part in strikes and bandhs.

“If the students need anything or are facing issues, they can first approach their university authorities or the department concerned to discuss the issue. The students can also meet him, stating that there are no issues that cannot be settled or solved,” Biren said.

The chief minister was addressing at the inaugural function of the 1st DMUnifest 2022, a youth festival of DM University and its constituent colleges of DM College of Science, DM College of Commerce, DM College of Arts, Ghanapriya Women’s College and LMS Law College at the Central Hall, DM College of Science, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, on Monday.

The academic period is limited to just 6-7 years, Biren said and advised the students against wasting their time on unproductive things which can disturb the academic atmosphere and session.

Stating that one cannot succeed without respecting elders, he asked the students to be respectful to their teachers and elders.

Politics should be based on reality and be realistic, it should not be just words, but these words should be followed by actions. The BJP led government in its first term was focused mainly on bringing peace and building a peaceful co-existence among communities without bandhs, blockades, strikes, etc, to create an atmosphere where each one of us can perform our responsibilities and duties, Biren said.

He said nepotism at institutions and offices will not be tolerated and will be streamlined on a merit/seniority basis according to the Recruitment Rules.

Teachers should also spread awareness among the students about the ills of the drug menace. It is time to think of our future generation, he said.

The state is fortunate to get a university of the stature of DM University, he said and expressed his happiness over witnessing the discipline and respect highlighted by the young students of the university during the march past parade.

He said it is quite pleasing and gratifying to witness the young and fit students dressed in traditional customs, promoting and preserving our tradition and culture.

Further expressing the need to promote and preserve history and showcase the identity of the land before the world, Biren said there are some few outsiders who are trying to manipulate and wrongly represent Manipur’s history. He stressed the need to include Manipur’s history in the educational syllabus.

The chief minister also recounted historical events like the Seven Years’ Devastation and reminded the students of the forefathers in surviving such events and in driving off enemies. He elucidated the contributions of kings like Maharaj Kullachandra, Maharaj Gambhir Singh in nation building. “We should inculcate their nationalism.”

The Anglo-Manipuri was fought on several fronts, and that the government is trying to observe the Anglo-Manipur War memorial at Tengnoupal and MayangKhang also, starting from next year, he said.

Further highlighting some developmental works in connection with DM University, Biren said as part of the 100-days programme of the government, new infrastructures to be inaugurated before June 30 include the Academic Block for Arts, Science and Commerce, Main Library, library block for GP College. DPRs are being prepared for the additional hostel, examination block and laboratories. Bifurcation of teaching and non-teaching staff from the Directorate of Higher Education is a major demand and will be decided upon at the earliest by the cabinet, he added.

Assuring to develop infrastructure of the university at the earliest, the chief minister also expressed the belief that the youth festival will encourage the idea of a united society and understanding among the different communities.

Education minister Th. Basanta Singh said today’s festival has a strong implication for the future of the society because the youth is the foundation of our society and how we grow as a state and nation is dependent on the youth.

He called on the students to participate in the events of the festival stating that it should not be only about winning. The idea should be about sharing ideas and interaction among the youths, he said.

Vice-chancellor Prof. N. Rajmuhon said it will indeed provide a platform for showing the multidimensional talents of the youths of the state in various extracurricular activities. This four-day festival will provide opportunities to the students of the five colleges to compete in various events and healthy competition among the students, he added.

The festival will showcase the idea of promoting art and culture, foster the idea of brotherhood and bring about emotional integration among the students from different communities through cultural events, he said.