Imphal, Jan 12: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged the people of the state today to take responsibility and ownership in preserving old traditions and customs irrespective of the religion being followed by any community. “The relationship and coexistence among all indigenous communities have existed since time immemorial. Therefore, collective efforts are needed to inculcate the sense of belongingness and oneness in the State. We should safeguard our rich cultural heritage and traditions, and honour the legacy of our ancestors”, he added.
The chief minister said this while attending the State Level Gaan-Ngai celebration held at Sagolband Ramji Kabui village, Imphal West. The celebration programme was organised by the State Level Gaan-Ngai 2025 Celebration Committee.
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Mentioning the ongoing series of catastrophic wildfires which have affected Los Angeles, USA, the Chief Minister maintained that mankind has not done justice with nature. Hence, there are frequent occurrences of natural calamities in the world and State as well. Therefore, it’s high time to take initiatives to preserve and protect. He recalled that the “Green Imphal, Green Manipur” initiative was taken up during 2004-05 while he was Forest and Environment Minister. He urged the people of the State to support and co-operation to such initiatives. It is our collective responsibility to work for developed Manipur, he added. He suggested that the State Level Gaan-Ngai Festival be organised at the Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou in a grand manner.
The Chief Minister informed that the government has requested for an additional fund of around Rs. 100 crore for upgradation of the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou. The said amount will be sanctioned soon. A Unity Mall is coming up at Keikol, Imphal east with a budget of around Rs. 150 crore. Stating some development initiatives taken up in hill districts by the BJP led government, he stated that earlier to Tamenglong took at least 3 hours, however today, it is just a 45-minute smooth drive.
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N. Biren Singh maintained that construction work will be started for construction of Tamei to Tamenglong road with an estimated budget of Rs. 20 crore and Tamei to Kangpokpi road. He said the construction of Imphal-Kangchup road will be completed soon. Three bridges will be built in the Imphal-Kangchup road which will enable the commuters to reach Guwahati in only 8 hours, and the government is working hard for the connectivity through railway lines, he added.
(Newmai News Network)