IMPHAL — The Zeliangrong community is marking
the annual Gaan-Ngai festival across Manipur, with the state-level event held
under the auspices of the State-Level Gaan-Ngai 2025 Celebration Committee at
Sagolband Ramji Kabui village, near Imphal, on Sunday.
N. Biren Singh speaking during the state-level Gaan-Ngai
festival at Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village, near Imphal, on Sunday.
The state-level function was attended by Chief Minister N
Biren Singh, accompanied by ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh (Forest), Awangbow
Newmai (Water Resources), chairman of the Hill Area Committee Dinganglung
Gangmei, and MLAs Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh (Patsoi), Thangjam Arunkumar Singh
(Wangkhei), M Rameshwar Singh (Kakching), and Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong).
Speaking on the occasion, Singh urged the people of the
state to take responsibility and ownership in preserving ancient traditions and
customs, regardless of the religion followed by any community. He emphasised
that the relationship and coexistence among all indigenous communities have
existed since time immemorial.
Therefore, collective efforts are essential to instill a
sense of belonging and unity in the state. He added that it is crucial to
safeguard the rich cultural heritage and traditions while honouring the legacy
of our ancestors.
Mentioning the ongoing series of catastrophic wildfires
affecting Los Angeles, USA, he stated that mankind has not done justice to
nature. As a result, natural calamities are occurring more frequently, both
globally and within the state. He emphasised that it is high time to take
proactive measures to preserve and protect the environment.
He recalled that the "Green Imphal, Green Manipur"
initiative was launched in 2004-05 when he served as the Forest and Environment
Minister. He also suggested that the state level Gaan-Ngai festival be
organised in a grand manner at the Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou.
Informing that the government has requested an additional
fund of around INR 100 crore for the upgradation of the Sangai Ethnic Park in
Moirang Khunou, he assured that the amount will be sanctioned soon. He also
mentioned that a Unity Mall is being developed at Keikol, Imphal East, with a
budget of approximately INR 150 crore.
Highlighting some development initiatives undertaken by the
BJP-led government in the hill districts, he noted that whereas it previously
took at least three hours to reach Tamenglong, it now takes just a 45-minute
smooth drive.
Singh stated that construction work will soon begin for the
Tamei to Tamenglong road, with an estimated budget of INR 20 crore, as well as
for the Tamei to Kangpokpi road. He also mentioned that the construction of the
Imphal-Kangchup road will be completed soon. Three bridges will be built along
the Imphal-Kangchup road, enabling commuters to reach Guwahati in just 8 hours,
he added.
In his presidential speech, Water Resources Minister
Awangbow Newmai praised Biren Singh for personally participating in the
celebration of the state-level celebration.
