Biren inaugurates Chivu–Chandrakirti Memorial Park

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the Chivu – Chandrakirti Memorial Park at Tonjang village, Churachandpur and laid foundation stone of Manipur Southern Cultural Centre, Behiang, Churachandpur on Friday at a function organised by the department of Art and Culture, Manipur at the park.

The inscribed stone at Chivu was erected during the reign of Maharaj Chandrakirti (1850 -1886 CE) in the year 1872 CE to commemorate the Lushai Expedition. A large stone slab with a pair of engraved footprints of Maharaj Chandrakirti and General Nathan is lying in front of the inscribed stone. A stone symbolizing Lord Thangjing and his consort is also located within this complex. The total protected area is 607.50 Sq.m.

“The government wants to develop Behiang as an international business hub like Moreh town and bring development there. There are various developmental plans for the area,” the chief minister said.

Stating that the Manipur Southern Cultural Centre will be constructed at a project cost Rs 6 crore, he highlighted several other developmental works taken up in Singhat. He said there are plans to expand the centre and develop it further.

There should be equal development, the chief minister said, adding that “There are no small or big communities, we are all humans and should live together.”

The chief minister also announced rewards for the 13 villages of the area for properly maintaining the forest cover and for declaring that there is no poppy cultivation in their area.

Highlighting that he appreciates the maintenance of forest cover in the area, he said he is against mass deforestation for Poppy cultivation and not against small clearances for the food cultivation process.

He also announced projects under Horticulture for each of the villages.

He assured inclusion of a High School Leaving Certificate Examination centre in the area.

The new Medical College at Churachandpur was set up in the district because the people deserve it. “Let us settle differences, problems, grievances through the process of talk, discussion and meeting instead of resorting to violent disturbances like bandhs, blockades,” he added.

“Let us forget and forgive our past mistakes,” the chief minister appealed to the people observing that no society can move forward if we continue to remember past mistakes.

Rajya Sabha MP Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba expressed his happiness to the people of the area for preserving and protecting the artefacts, which are erected in the park for such a long time.

Singhat MLA Chinlunthang acknowledged before the chief minister that there is no poppy cultivation in the area.

Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur Sanate elaborated on the need for everyone in the state to learn Manipuri and said if we want to bring unity in the State, we have to learn Manipuri. He encouraged the people, especially the people of the hills to learn the language.

Keirao MLA L. Rameshwor Meetei observed that it is evident that the chief minister has concern for the people of the hills from the development work taken up in the hill areas.

The programme was also attended by minister of Tribal Affairs and Hills and Horticulture, Letpao Haokip, Mao MLA Losii Dikho, Saikot MLA  Paolienlal Haokip, Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip, DC Churachandpur Dr Sharath Chandra Arroju, district administration officials, among others.

Leaders of CSOs, tribes, village chiefs and the general public of the area accorded a warm welcome to the chief minister and his team on their arrival at the venue.

The chief minister also inspected the complex of the park.