Imphal: Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh released a book titled “Writings & Speeches of Radhabinod Koijam—An Anthology,” authored by former Chief Minister of Manipur Radhabinod Koijam, compiled and edited by eminent critic, writer, and translator L. Memo Singh at the Auditorium of the JN Manipur Dance Academy on Monday.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the event, the Chief Minister said that a true politician should be visionary and that politicians today have a lot to learn from former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam. N. Biren said that he respects and appreciates the former Chief Minister as a politician and leader.
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He said some of the politicians in the past failed to work sincerely for the people, but Radhabinod Koijam was one of the most capable and genuine politicians. He said that the Jiri-Imphal Railway Project materialized in recent times, but it was Radhabinod Koijam who had envisioned a railway line in the state way back in 2001 when he approached the center for the same.
Regarding the prevailing crisis in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren said that his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi was a positive one. He said that the meeting reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to resolving the prevailing crisis in the state. N. Biren assured that a solution to the Manipur crisis will be brought soon.
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He added that people will see new developments in the coming days, though he refrained from disclosing any more details on the platform. The Chief Minister also made it clear that the solution to the Manipur crisis will not be at the cost of indigenous communities. Hinting towards the inefficiency of the previous government which led to the prevailing issue of the influx of illegal immigrants in the state, Biren lamented that One Thousand 400 unrecognized villages were reported in three districts of Manipur between 2006 and 2018, and that should have been tackled back then.
Speaking on the occasion, Former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam said that his book is a collection of speeches, writings published in national and local newspapers, and other publications. He expressed concern and said Manipur is in a critical situation, far more serious than the seven years of devastation due to the Burmese invasion in the history of Manipur.
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He called upon the state leaders and experts to introspect and come up with effective ways to protect Manipur’s integrity. He also called upon the public to cooperate with the Chief Minister instead of merely criticizing him.
IAS Retired Kangjam Radhakumar presented a critical appraisal of the book. The event was also attended by Manipur University VC Prof Dr. N Lokendra, JNMDA Director Pukhrambam Bilash, editor L. Memo Singh, present and former legislators of Manipur, and other eminent persons.
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