Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh said that the present government has a special interest in the development of the hill districts in various sectors including sports, education, health infrastructure, and employment, highlighting the upgradation of educational institutions, development of sports facilities like indigenous wrestling stadium in Senapati, Youth Skill Development Centres in district headquarters, etc.

N. Biren Singh was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 52nd Statehood Day Celebration at the 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles Parade Ground.

The Chief Minister also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the latter’s recent assurance to end the Free Movement Regime and fence the Myanmar border and said these assurances are the biggest gifts for the people of Manipur.

He said that it is unfortunate that armed persons are attacking innocent civilians which is inhumane and cowardly, he said, condemning such attacks in the strongest terms. The Chief Minister was referring to the recent separate killings of woodcutters and some innocent civilians who were fetching water in the Bishnupur district.

Warning those who are challenging the unity and integrity of the State, N Biren Singh said that they should know that the indigenous people of the State will come together and unite to meet any such challenge.

He further added that if there is scope for dialogue he is ready and that the State security force is also ready for any challenges, but it would be right to cease attacks on civilians.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also saluted all security forces who have sacrificed their lives and paid homage to the

civilians who have lost their lives.

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Further showing concern about the conditions of the relief camp inmates, the Chief Minister said that DCs should visit the camps at least once a week and interact with the individuals and families to know their grievances.

He said the government is putting all efforts to safeguard and protect the State. “We are Indians,” the Chief Minister said, adding that every life is precious.

Manipur, a princely state merged into Bharat in 1949 and was granted Statehood in 1972, N. Biren Singh said.

He said in the past few years, the government has shown its commitment to inclusive development and has been working towards bringing development across the State without any divisions between hills and valleys. Many changes had been brought in various fields including health, education, and road infrastructure, which resulted in the State topping the India Today survey for three consecutive years.

Believing that without equal development there can be no peace and unity, the government had been developing infrastructure in the hills over the past five or so years bringing a huge landscape change, he said highlighting various projects taken up in the hill districts.

Unfortunately, the unwanted incidents of May 3 last have stopped developmental works in some districts, he added.

Altogether 10 contingents took part in the Marchpast parade with Ksh. Ravikumar Singh, CO, 1st MR as the Parade Commander. A closing song was also presented by the artists of Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Govt. Music College, Imphal.

The function was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, HAC Chairman, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, police and civil officers, IGAR (S), and senior officers from para-military forces, among others.

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