Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the State in paying rich tributes to Jana Neta Hijam Irabot during the state-level observance of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Day, 2022 held at Irawat Square, Thangmeiband Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Friday.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the observance, the Chief Minister said the government and the public are working together as a team and moving forward, and further assured that the government will never take up any work or policy which will harm or will be against the people of the State.
He said the government will work hand in hand with the people of the State, and added that being a democracy there will be some who will disagree but the government will work in accordance with the majority of the public.
The Chief Minister said that the real meaning of the observance will be realized when we not only offer flowers to the late leader’s statue but when we are able to follow his footsteps and do some good for the society.
N. Biren Singh said Jana Neta Hijam Irabot stood for the downtrodden, poor, upliftment of the poor and believed in a united Manipur of both hills and valley. The Chief Minister also said that Jana Neta Hijam Irawat had served the society in various capacities. He was a poet, a journalist, theatre artiste, polo player, a leader and guide during the Nupi Lal of 1939.
Speaking on issues related to student bodies’ election, the Chief Minister appealed to all concerned that all students’ related issues be left free and fair. We should all maintain and honour the liberty and freedom of students and after proper consideration, their elections should be held at the earliest in a free and fair manner, he added.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that the Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press also have a limit of decency and morality. He said we are all bound under the Constitution and cannot act beyond that.
N. Biren Singh directed senior police officers of the State to launch a mass drive against the sales of illegal liquor as his government is preparing for implementation of liquor legalization in the State.
What political advantage can the government gain by legalizing or not legalizing liquor, the Chief Minister asked adding that everything including revenue collection are secondary, the primary concern of the government is to save lives.
Power, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Agriculture, Science & Tech. Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh said it is time to understand why we are observing the day.
Jana Neta Hijam Irawat believed in a strong and united Manipur, he said adding that our younger generation should follow and imbibe Jana Neta Hijam Irawat’s ideals of unity and eradicating inequality amongst the people.
The Minister also highlighted the late leader’s various services for the society.
Today’s observance was also attended by Minister Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Minister L. Susindro Meitei, Minister Kashim Vashum, Minister H. Dingo, MLAs, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishand Members, pradhans, Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar, civil officials, police officials, students, among others.
As part of the observance, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of the Jana Neta Hijam Irawat. Artistes of the Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, palace Compound performed the opening and closing songs.
