
IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh talked about the government's work on illegal immigration and the increase in unrecognized villages near the border. He also said the government is not against any community. He shared these thoughts at the opening of the diamond jubilee and 8th biennial sports meet of the All Maring Sports Association (AMSA) in Laiching Kangshang village, Machi sub-division, Tengnoupal district.
CM Singh highlighted the importance of major communities supporting minorities and urged the public to work together in restoring peace, normalcy, and accelerating the state's development. "We should remember how our forefathers safeguarded our motherland together from external forces," Biren said emphasizing the need for indigenous communities to live together in peace with mutual understanding.
The Chief Minister recalled that several indigenous communities have coexisted peacefully for generations, protecting their land from external threats. He pointed out that the poison on the tip of the Arambai weapon, used to drive out Burmese invaders during the Seven Years Devastation, was provided by the Maring community, a fact passed down through folktales.
Biren also talked about unemployment, saying many young people in Manipur are turning to drugs because they are frustrated. He stressed the importance of the War on Drugs program to protect the youth, who are the future of society. He praised the Laiching Kangshang village residents for growing vegetables instead of engaging in poppy cultivation.
In response to a memorandum submitted at the event, the Chief Minister announced the development of a sports complex with an indoor gym at the event venue, estimated to cost around Rs. 2.5 crore. The fund will be allocated in the next budget. Additionally, Biren informed that the government would consider opening a branch of the Employment Exchange office in Machi sub-division, and work will begin on black-topping the approach road to Laiching Kangshang village from Pallel. The government will also construct a women’s market in the village.
Regarding the demand for a power sub-station and a Primary Health Sub-Centre, the Chief Minister assured that these would be studied and addressed.
Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, in his speech, praised the bravery of the Maring community and acknowledged their youth's interest in sports. He stressed the importance of helping young people develop into successful athletes. He also praised Biren's programs, like "Go to Hills" and "Go to Village," which take government services directly to the people, and "Meeyamgi Numit," which addresses public concerns.
Awangbow highlighted the state's progress in various sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure, and urged public cooperation in the government's efforts to restore peace in the state.
During the event, Chief Minister Biren released the diamond jubilee souvenir of AMSA and unveiled a monolith at the AMSA Sports Complex. The program was attended by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, PHED Minister L Susindro Meitei, MLA of Kakching AC Mayanglambam Rameshwar, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police of Tengnoupal district, senior government officials, village chiefs, and residents of Laiching Kangshang village.