CM talks tough against dumping of waste into rivers

The 173rd Death Anniversary of Narasingh was observed on Tuesday at Kangla wherein floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Late Maharaj Narasingh at his Manglen. The observation was organised by the State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the other dignitaries in paying floral tributes besides offering tarpan at Nungjeng Pukhri, Kangla. The Chief Minister also paid obeisance to the Shree Shree Govinda Jiu Jalakeli Pala led by Maharajkumari Hemamanjuri.

Addressing the gathering during the formal programme, Biren expressed satisfaction that the observation of the Death Anniversary of Maharaj Narasingh has become bigger with much participation of Government officials and the public and organisation of a formal programme.

The Chief Minister underscored the need for the present generation to remember and honour the sacrifices made by our great forefathers for defending the freedom of their motherland. He expressed concern stating that the present generation seems to forget the contribution of our forefathers, instead many youths are getting addicted to drugs and intoxicants in the name of modern Manipur.  

The Chief Minister continued that acknowledging the heroic efforts of Maharaj Narasingh and Herachandra in driving the Burmese away, to end the Seven Years Devastation in 1826, the State Government had installed their statues beside the statue of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Canchipur. Apart from this, a bigger statue of Maharaj Narasingh had also been installed in front of the Kangla Western Gate. Also, installation of another statue of Maharaj Narasingh at Moreh near the Ningthi River had been completed and would be inaugurated soon, he added.

The Chief Minister stressed on 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 were on their visit to the State earlier this year were surprised to see the beauty and diversity of the State’s culture and tradition.

Biren further maintained that the State is moving ahead towards development with considerable improvement in law and order situation. He added that domestic and foreign tourists do not have any tense feeling in visiting the State.

He said 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 has been associated with our culture and tradition since time immemorial, he appealed to the public to also take concern in maintaining cleanliness outside their respective residences too, as they do to make their house neat and clean.

He also disclosed that he had instructed the Police Department to catch those people who throw garbage in rivers, which has been a major factor polluting the river. He further informed that bottle banks have also been installed at different places to drop plastic bottles.

Concluding his speech, 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 the State and in this regard he sought support of the people.

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

Highlighting the development and progress of the State under the leadership of Chief Minister Biren, 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, with prevalence of peace across the State and subsequently many tourists have started visiting the State in the recent years.

Guard of Honour, Gun Salute, and Sounding of Last Post by a contingent of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles were also the highlights of the observance. A 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 observance function among others.