Ukhrul: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among all indigenous communities in Manipur. Speaking at the inaugural program of the Diamond Jubilee cum VIIIth Biennial Sports Meet, 2025, of the All Maring Sports Association (AMSA), he said, “We must remember how our forefathers protected our motherland together from external forces.” The event, organized under the theme “Legacy of Yesterday, Champion of Tomorrow,” was held at the AMSA Sports Complex in Laiching Kangshang Village, Machi Sub-Division, Tengnoupal District.
The Chief Minister highlighted the historical unity among indigenous communities in safeguarding the land. “The Maring community played a crucial role during the Seven Years’ Devastation Period, providing poison for the Arambai weapon used to drive out the Burmese. Such stories, which reflect our strong cultural bonds, are preserved in our folktales,” he remarked.
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Expressing concern over the challenges faced by the youth, Singh said, “Many young people in Manipur, frustrated by unemployment, are being drawn towards drugs. To save them, we launched the War on Drugs Campaign, as the youth are the foundation of future generations.” He also praised the residents of Laiching Kangshang Village for cultivating vegetables instead of engaging in poppy cultivation, which aligns with the state’s efforts to combat drug production.
Addressing the demands presented in a memorandum during the event, Singh announced several developmental projects for the village. “A sports complex with an indoor gym will be constructed here at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.5 crore and the funds will be allocated in the next budget,” he said. He also committed to considering the establishment of a branch of the Employment Exchange office at Machi Sub-Division.
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“The approach road from Pallel to Laiching Kangshang will be black-topped, and a women’s market will be constructed in the village,” Singh assured. Regarding the demands for setting up a power sub-station and a Primary Health Sub-Centre, he said, “These matters will be studied, and necessary steps will be taken.”
Speaking about the ongoing crisis in the state, Singh clarified, “The State Government is not against any community. However, we are deeply concerned about the presence of illegal migrants and the mushrooming of unrecognized villages in border areas.” He called for major communities to support minorities for the overall development of the state and urged the public to work together to restore peace and normalcy. “We must collectively take our state towards faster development,” he added.
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Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, who also spoke at the event, praised the Maring community for their bravery and historical contributions. “The courage of the Maring community is commendable, and the youth’s interest in sports is promising. Talented individuals must be groomed to become successful sportspersons,” he said. The Minister also lauded initiatives such as the Go to Hills and Go to Village Missions, along with the Meeyamgi Numit program, which aims to address public grievances. “Manipur has seen progress in health, education, and infrastructure under the Chief Minister’s leadership,” he noted, while urging public cooperation to restore peace.
During the event, Chief Minister Singh released a Diamond Jubilee souvenir of AMSA and unveiled a monolith at the AMSA Sports Complex.
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Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, PHED Minister L. Sushindro Meitei, MLA Mayanglambam Rameshwar, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Tengnoupal District, along with village chiefs, senior government officials, and residents of Laiching Kangshang Village, were present at the program.