Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, on Tuesday, declared open the two-day long 5th State Level HUN Thadou Cultural Festival, 2023, at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi. N. Biren Singh also released a souvenir in connection with the festival celebrated under the theme Drug-Free Society.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the present government is people-centric, and it works under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantras of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, and One Earth, One Family, One Future.
During the last six years, the government has called for the preservation of our identities and a drug-free society, he said, further highlighting that it is the present government that has built traditional huts for all 35 communities at the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou. This is recognition and respect from the government for the different communities residing together in the state, the Chief Minister added.
Manipur is made up of various communities residing together, and this is the beauty of Manipur and the beauty of India, he said, hinting at the unity in diversity of the state.
Further highlighting that there are more than a lakh drug abusers in the state, N. Biren Singh said that he will continue to fight for the total eradication of illegal drugs and stop poppy cultivation in the state.
He further highlighted the steps being taken in the state by the government and highlighted schemes like CMHT and PMJAY. N. Biren Singh added that during the last cabinet meeting, the government decided to launch the Manipur One Family, One Livelihood Scheme, under which anyone from a family with no source of income can apply for a loan of Rs 10 lakh with a 30 per cent grant. An amount of Rs. 100 crore had been allocated in the budget for the same, he added.
Chief Minister Biren also stressed the need to screen illegal immigrants from entering the state so that they don’t eat into the share of the indigenous communities.
He added that a cabinet sub-committee has been formed with Minister Letpao Haokip as the chairman, along with Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai and Education Minister Th. Basanta Singh, to identify illegal immigrants who have fled strife-torn Myanmar and to set up temporary shelter homes for them so that they can return back to their country again.
The Chief Minister further said that Thadou is one of the biggest communities and has lived in Manipur since ancient times.
Biren Singh also appreciated the All Manipur Christian Association for their declaration to fight against the drug menace and poppy cultivation in the state.
Further appealing to the people of Kangpokpi to take a pledge against illegal drugs and poppy cultivation, the Chief Minister said soon the people will get to see some positive changes in the fight to eradicate drugs.
The Chief Minister also appealed to all communities of the state to live together unitedly and urged all to save and preserve the forest cover, screen illegal immigrants, and stop poppy cultivation. Shri N. Biren Singh also lauded the organisers of the festival for celebrating the festival under the theme “Drug-Free Society.”
In her presidential speech, Minister Nemcha Kipgen said the Hun Festival is one of the biggest festivals of the Thadou community. During the festival celebrated at the start of a year, the community offers prayers for a fruitful year ahead, she added.
She said that an important feature of this festival is that the young children pray before their grandparents, seeking their blessings.
On their arrival, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries were accorded a warm traditional welcome by the people of Kangpokpi. Traditional songs and dances mark the opening session of the festival.
The opening session was also attended by Ministers Konthoujam Govindas and Letpao Haokip, MLAs Irengbam Nalini, P Janghemlung Panmei, Kimneo Haokip Hansing, DGP P Doungel, village chiefs, and youth leaders, among others.
