Kangpokpi: Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh Saturday stated that any government cannot function without the support of the people and added that cooperation from the people of Manipur is a must for good governance in the State.
This was stated by him while addressing the gathering after a ‘Mass Plantation Drive’ at Kanglatongbi- Kangpokpi Reserved Forest areas which was organized by the Forest Department- Government of Manipur.
Stating that it is the second time such a plantation drive has been organised in the area, the Chief Minister appealed to all the people and stakeholders to protect the reserved forests and further added that “we should also plant trees in villages and habited areas also”.
Expressing disappointment over the construction of roads in reserved forest areas, N. Biren Singh stated he was really surprised why the Forest Department and the government officials didn’t stop such constructions which eventually helped smugglers to take away timbers easily.
Stating that indigenous Kukis are also bonafide citizens of India, the Chief Minister urged the people not to let any external influence ruin the peaceful coexistence among various communities of the State. He also added that “we should prevent illegal migrants from settling among us”.
Regarding the recent increase in the spread of hate speeches in various social media platforms, N. Biren Singh reiterated that “we should immediately put a stop to such activities as they will create communal tension among the communities of the State”.
Maintaining that it is human nature to access the nearest available resources, he appealed to the Forest Department and the Deputy Commissioner to identify and classify areas such as reserved forests, protected forests, etc. and restrict human activities in such areas as per relevant laws.
The Chief Minister thanked Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the Forest Department, and local bodies for organising such a plantation drive and added that it needs involvement from all sections of people.
Expressing satisfaction over the mass support from almost all the communities of the State for the Government’s War on Drugs Campaign, N. Biren Singh said that it is with the support of the people the Government is marching toward completely uprooting the drug menace and stopping poppy plantations in the State. Stating that he is not against any specific community, the Chief Minister added that he is against deforestation, corruption, poppy plantation and drug trafficking.
The Mass Plantation Drive was attended by Ministers L. Sushindro Meitei, Nemcha Kipgen, Th. Basantakumar Singh; MLAs K. Robindro Singh, L. Rameshwor Meitei,. Kimneo Haokip Hangshing; PCCF and HoFF, Government of Manipur Dr. AK Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary M.H Khan among others.
