Biren appeals Manipur people to join hands for development

Imphal: Different communities in Manipur have been living together since time immemorial, people residing in the state need to set aside all the differences and join hands for bringing development in the state, chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Sunday.

“Manipur had witnessed certain hindrances and enmity among different communities due to thinking on localism and vested interest in the last many years. It was time for us to stand together for the development of the state,” Biren said.

Reinstatement of the aged old relationship between hill and valley peoples by bringing inclusive development have been possible only with the support of the people, he added.

The chief minister was speaking at the inaugural function of a multipurpose Rural Development Centre hall and a new building of the Heingang Kontha Makha Leikai Model Club, at Kangjeibung Lampak, Heingang Makha Leikai, Imphal East.

He said politics should be done with the objectives of people’s welfare and bringing development, adding that the state government has taken up certain development works including Manipur Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang, Heritage Park at Makhel, 34 Police stations along the state’s boundary and installing statues of ‘our great forefathers’ at different locations among others.

The state government has been putting in every effort to improve the living standard and quality of life of its people, under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Biren said.

Lauding the movement on Ekta Bharat initiated by the Prime Minister, he added that India has become one of the superpowers of the world. He said the recently tabled Union Budget 2024 was prepared with a long term vision, which would take the country to the top among the superpowers in the next 25 years.

Speaking on the ill-effects of drugs and its addiction to Manipur society, the chief minister appealed to the public not to conceal their family members who are drug addicts, rather take them to rehabilitation centres for correction measures. He informed that the Government has also set up a rehabilitation centre at Sunusiphai in Bishnupur district. He stressed the urgency to save the youths of this small state from drug menace.

The programme was also attended by deputy commissioner, Imphal East, Khumanthem Diana Devi and other government officials.