Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has appealed to the people of the state to guide and support his government in achieving its goal of ensuring a future where generations can live with their identity and dignity.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of POKNAPHAM Daily at the J.N. Manipur Dance Academy Saturday morning, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of creating a safe and secure Manipur for current and future generations, one that retains its unique identity and dignity. He acknowledged that the state is currently struggling to achieve this vision.
The Chief Minister stated that while it is valid to criticize or oppose goals that are wrong, it is essential for the people to support and cooperate with the government when the goals are just. He urged the public not to be deterred by challenges during this struggle but to stay focused on the goal.
Further, N. Biren Singh addressed key issues such as the regulation of the Free Movement Regime, biometric recording, demographic imbalances, and border fencing. He also reflected on the positive changes brought to the state under his leadership, noting that these changes were inspired by his own editorials from his time as a journalist. One such editorial predicted the importance of the Jiribam Road as a vital alternative lifeline for the state.
The Chief Minister also spoke about his long-standing campaign against the drug menace, an issue he had raised during his time as an editor. He shared how the negative portrayal of Manipur’s drug crisis in national and regional media had caused embarrassment for local journalists, motivating him and others to take action against it.
N. Biren Singh recalled his own experiences as a working journalist and how the All Manipur Working Journalists Union came into being.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, senior staff of POKNAPHAM Daily were felicitated. The event was attended by Minister IPR Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, MLA K. Ibomcha Singh, Sahitya Akademi Awardee and POKNAPHAM Daily advisor Yumlembam Ibomcha Singh, Editor Robindro Sharma, staff, columnists, and well-wishers.
