In this image released by @NBirenSingh via X on Tuesday,
Jan. 21, 2025, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh during the 53rd Statehood
Day, in Imphal. (@NBirenSingh on X via PTI Photo)
IMPHAL —
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said every misunderstanding
should be resolved by discussions and that all recognised tribes of the state
should live together.
Speaking at 53rd Statehood Day celebrations, Singh said
let's stop engaging or speaking on irrelevant matters and attempts to divert
from issues.
Manipur became a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972.
"Every misunderstanding should be resolved with
discussions by sitting together. Let's stop from engaging or speaking on
irrelevant matters and attempts to divert from issues. What we (state
government) had said was proper identification of illegal immigrants and send
them outside. We never said anything against any of the old settlers of the
state. All recognised tribes need to live together," the CM said.
He said let us take this opportunity to pledge our
collective efforts toward building a prosperous Manipur that upholds the values
of harmony, justice, and progress.
Singh said all communities should try to bring peace.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered
homeless in ethnic violence in the northeastern state since May 2023.
Singh said the Manipur government launched a campaign
against drugs in 2018 after seeing a large number of youths being swept away by
drugs. The campaign brought a massive change. As of now some Rs 70,000 to
80,000 crore worth of illegal drugs have been destroyed.
Poppy plantations which were earlier confined to Myanmar and
Southeast Asian countries had suddenly spread to Manipur and drug factories
were found in some specific localities. More than 30,000 hectare of poppy
plantations were destroyed and several village chiefs were arrested, the CM
said.
"We must stand united and take a pledge to eradicate
drugs," he said.
"What the BJP-led government is doing to leave a fully
intact state for present and future generations," Singh added.
Later replying to media queries, Singh said, "I thank
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P
Nadda and other dignitaries for congratulating the statehood day of Manipur. I
also convey my best wishes to the people of the state. Let us from today bring
peace and prosperity."
Modi greeted the people of Manipur on their statehood day on
Tuesday.
"Greetings to the people of Manipur on their Statehood
Day. We are incredibly proud of the role played by the people of Manipur
towards India's development. My best wishes for the progress of Manipur,"
he said in a post on X.
On the banning of Meitei scripts in Moreh town by Hill
Tribal Council (HTC), Singh said, "The state is governed by the
government."
