Minority Rights Day observed in Manipur

Our Correspondent IMPHAL, December 18 Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh said, “let us resolve to broaden our trust and love for other communities in our state and unite to resolve all differences through cooperation and dialogue for promotion of communal harmony.” He was speaking as a Chief Guest at the observation of Minorities Rights Day, 2014 today at the Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, Imphal organised by the Manipur State Minorities Commission. He further appealed to all to work jointly for peace and harmony so that there may be progress and prosperity in Manipur. He also urged to fight unitedly against poverty, illiteracy and disintegration of people in the State.He said that in Manipur different ethnic communities have been living peacefully and harmoniously for many years because of the trust and love among these communities. The constitution of India provides all the citizens of India to enjoy equal rights and to protect the rights and privileges of the minority communities by the major and more powerful communities, the National Commission for Minorities Act,1992 was enacted. The Muslims, the Christians, the Buddhists and the Sikhs have been identified as minorities in the State under this Act and the government of Manipur has enacted the Manipur State Minorities Commission Act,2010 to provide for effective execution of the welfare and development of the minorities in the State, said the CM. He also highlighted the importance of celebrating the Day as to protect and promote the identities of the minorities, to highlight the need for promoting the rights of the minority communities as provided in the constitution of India and to highlight the progress and development of minorities etc. In his presidential speech the Chairperson of the Manipur State Minorities Commission Janab A. Halim Chowdhury exhorted to give more emphasis on the education of children of the minority communities. He also drew the attention of Chief minister to appoint required staff of the Commission so as to function properly. An Annual Report for the year 2013-14 of the Manipur State Minorities Commission was also released by the CM on the occasion.The function was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Md. Amin Shah, Chairman Wakf Board, Manipur MLA Md. Fajur Rahim,MLAs Ng. Bijoy, Y. Surchandra Kh. Debendra and members of the Commission Prof. M.S. ningomba and Rev. N. Debendra Singh among others.