Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh on Thursday avowed that the territorial boundary and integrity of the State will remain intact.
He said this while speaking at the 186th death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh observed at the samadhi of the Maharaj at Langthabal in Imphal West.
Expressing displeasure over poor attendance during the observation N Biren appealed to the people of the State to inculcate a sense of patriotism.
He also called for the ‘collective effort’ to uphold the integrity of the nation and the state.
He also appealed to the people to request the ‘rebel groups’ to sort out an ‘amicable political solution’ with the Centre.
The Chief Minister also urged the people to commit themselves to build unity and integrity among the communities living in the State.
N Biren said the State could exist till today due to the sacrificial spirit of the forefather rulers and patriots.
Remembering the history would help to carry the State towards a bright future.
As such, people of the state should have the willingness to show up at such kind of observation, he added.
Patriotic and nationalistic feeling are inborn traits and should run high in our blood, he added.
Singh further maintained that the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers towards protecting the integrity of our land should also be included in the school syllabus.
He further encouraged the people of the State to promote agricultural practices in hill and valley.
The chief minister also promised to provide financial and technical support to those who have taken up the initiative of doing any kind of agricultural work.
He further highlighted that the long time demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system has been fulfilled by the Centre and its implementation will protect the indigenous people of the State.
Highlighting the demand of Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) to shift the Assam Rifles (AR) post from Manipur University campus, the chief minister said that the request is genuine and will urge the Central Government to shift the AR post from University campus.
The president of the day’s function, minister L Jayantakumar Singh said external forces can take advantage if unity does not prevail among the leaders and people of the State.
He stated that the state is endowed with rich cultural heritage but due to lack of resources and limited budget many things could not be fulfilled in connection with development of art and culture.
Nevertheless, the department concerned will make all possible efforts, he added and appealed to chief minister to increase the budget allocation for art and culture in the next state Budget.
Other dignitaries who attended the function included minister, CAF and PD, Karam Shyam as guest of honour and high ranking government officials.
Floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, followed by a gun salute.
A traditional ritual was also performed before the commencement of the observation ceremony.
