Imphal: Reacting to the recent remark by his new Mizoram counterpart, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said one can extend possible assistance to others to solve issues. However, a state should not interfere in the internal matters of others, he said during an observation of Nupee Lal Numit 2023 in Imphal.
During the observation, CM Biren led a floral tribute to the departed women freedom fighters at the Nupee Lal Memorial complex, followed by a formal function at G.P. Women’s College, Central Hall.
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Speaking to media persons on the sidelines, chief minister N Biren Singh said whatever is happening in Manipur is an internal matter of the state. While extending gratitude to the chief ministers of other northeastern states for always remaining in touch on matters related to the present law and order situation of the state and expressing their willingness to extend all possible assistance in restoring peace in the state.
“Unfortunately, I have seen one comment in which the newly elected chief minister of Mizoram [Lalduhoma] asked the Manipur police not to harass his people at Moreh. Passing such a comment by the chief minister of another state is little beyond the constitution because it is an internal matter of the Manipur state government,” said CM Biren Singh.
The chief minister also said that his Mizoram counterpart doesn’t know exactly what is happening in Moreh. The border is inhabited by diverse communities, including Meitei, Meitei Pangals, Tamil, Kukis, Thadou etc and they cannot take it as one community area, he added.
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The chief minister further urged the Mizoram CM to extend support in restoring peace in Manipur irrespective of caste and community in the state.
I never said anything when there was Bru controversy in Mizoram, rather we prayed for the restoration of peace in the state of Mizoram, added the chief minister.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion as a chief guest, the chief minister mentioned the contribution of womenfolk at every crucial time in the state since time immemorial. Recognising the selfless contribution of women, he announced two initiatives taken up by the state government in their honour, which included renaming the road stretch from Governor’s Traffic Point to Pureiromba Khongnangkhong as ‘Nupi Lan Road’ and the ‘Chief Minister’s Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme’.
Elaborating on the newly launched Chief Minister’s Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme, CM Biren informed that women who are above 40 years of age, with no source of income and not covered under any welfare scheme taken up by the Government, would be provided with financial assistance of Rs 6000 per annum (Rs. 500 per month).
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The chief minister further recalled the role taken by Manipuri women in regaining their motherland from Awa during the Seven Years Devastation period. He also mentioned women freedom fighters of the state and their contribution to the cause of the motherland.
Speaking about the present law and order situation in the state, he stressed the need for all the communities residing in the state to stand together and face the challenges ahead. Continuing that many innocents had lost their lives and many had been displaced from their homes, he sought the contribution of everyone to restoring peace and normalcy in the state.
Stating on the influx of Myanmar nationals inside Manipur’s boundary, due to a war-like situation in the neighbouring country, CM Biren informed that they had been given shelter on humanitarian grounds. However, their biometrics are being collected as a measure, so that it does not affect our indigenous populations, he added.
The chief minister also expressed his condemnation towards certain unwanted incidents that happened at different places in the state, where groups of people harassed others unreasonably by taking the law into their own hands.
He further appealed to the public to inform the nearest police station if they come across suspicious activities, rather than punishing or harassing someone.
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