Imphal: Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and Chief Minister of Manipur Yumnam Khemchand Singh, today attended the observance programme on Partition Horror Remembrance Day at the Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound, Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla stated that the partition of 1947 was not merely a directory division it was a human tragedy. There are moments in the nation history that are marked by the celebrations there are others that called upon us to pause, remember and reflect. He added, that the Government of India declared 14th August 1947 as Partition Horror Remembrance Day in 2021 to show that the sufferings, sacrifice and displacement endured during partition would remain part of our national memory.
Speaking on the occasion Khemchand Singh, while highlighting the hardships faced by the people due to the Partition which led to loss of countless lives and widespread damage to properties, but those who survived and reached India through their resilience rebuild their lives and start anew.
Khemchand Singh recalled a remark from the documentary titled “A New Postbox: Tales from the Partition” was screened as part of the observance said that our eyes are not at the back of our heads but on our faces, reminding us to look forward rather than dwell on what has happened in the past.
The Chief Minister was deeply touched to hear the concerns expressed by a group of IDPs, residents of an area bordering Churachandpur district, who said that they could return to their homes only during the daytime, as they did not have the confidence to stay there overnight. They are also deprived of opportunities to earn their livelihood. He added that the pain felt by the people due to any crisis is the same.
He appealed to the people of the State to promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
As a part of the programme a two minutes silence was observed to pay respect to all those affected by the partition.
The observance organised by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Manipur was attended by Ministers Khuraijam Loken Singh, Minister of Art & Culture and Tourism and Govindas Konthoujam Singh, Minister for Home; MLAs; Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary; Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary; Naorem Praveen Singh, Secretary Arts and Culture; Khumanthem Daina Devi, Director of Transport; senior officials and staffs of the department of Arts and Culture and students among others.
