Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh reiterated Monday that his government aimed to make the state corruption-free and also sought the support of the people to achieve it.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 42nd Foundation Day Celebration of the Kangleipakki Meira, an evening daily newspaper, held at Pillow Library Ground, Mongshangei Mayai Leikai.
Continuing his speech, N. Biren warned that strict and immediate action would be initiated against those who are involved in corrupt practices. He further expressed that the state government always stands against anti-national, anti-state, and anti-social elements, adding that any such act would not be compromised.
He went on to say that the War on Drugs Campaign had resulted in the mass destruction of poppy plantations, and he urged all relevant authorities to take cases involving illegal drugs seriously.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that the mindset of people, who had earlier carried out poppy plantations, has changed, adding that the area of land where mass plantations of poppy were carried out is now reduced to around 1,100 acres from 7,600 acres.
Alternative crops for plantations were provided to poppy planters in order for them to earn a living, he added.He also asked the civil society organisations in Manipur to visit hill areas and interact with poppy planters, making them aware of the harmful impacts of poppy cultivation.
He further informed that villages where poppy plantations had been substituted with alternative plantations would be rewarded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the state this month. He maintained that the state government has been making every effort to bring about a systematic change in the state.
Expressing happiness over certain constructive comments received from the people on various development works taken up in the state, he gave credit for all development to the people’s support and cooperation. He also mentioned that certain circumstances arose where the government had to take action, considering the betterment of the state.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also presented the Kangleipakki Meira Award, 2023, to journalists. Best Female Journalist was presented to Phurailatpam Keni Devi, Best Male Journalist (Print) to Thongam Premchand Singh, Senior Reporter, Poknapham, Best Male Journalist (Electronics) to Urikhinbam Indra Singh, Reporter, ISTV, Best Hawker (Kangleipakki Meira) to Wahengbam Inaocha Singh, and Best Male Appreciated I.P.R. Award to Sorokhaibam Prasenjit Singh. The Chief Minister also presented lifetime achievement awards to senior journalists and other renowned personalities.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLA of Patsoi AC Sapam Kunjakeshore, Editor-in-Chief, Kangleipakki Meira Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, journalists, and many other renowned personalities attended the program, among others.
Later, the Chief Minister visited Marjing Polo Complex and inspected the construction of the Sagol Kangjei Statue, which will be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on the 6th of this month.
