Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the observance of the 191st Death Anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at the Samadhi of Maharaj at Langthabal, Imphal. The State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur organized the observance program.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “We have gathered here to pay our humble tribute to Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra and their troops who defeated the Burmese and liberated Manipur in 1826”. “Till today, the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers for a united Manipur are unparalleled and the present and future generations should never forget their valour and courage”. “Considering their importance and significance in our lives, the government has been constructing memorials, statues etc in the State”, he added.
The Chief Minister mentioned that a documentary film titled “Chahi Taret Khuntakpa” will be released today at Kangla. The 22-minute-long film is directed by Romi Meitei, an acclaimed film director. It will be telecasted on the History Channel. It took nearly 3 years to complete the said film, he added. He said that the objective of producing the film is to highlight the significance of recalling the qualities and legacy of our great forefathers. It is our bounden duty to know our roots and legacy of our ancestors, only then we can preserve and protect our culture, tradition, and land, he added. Further, he announced that a historical feature film will be produced soon and will be screened in cinema theatres for the public audience.
The Chief Minister further maintained that a new museum equipped with modern technology will be developed at Samadhi of Maharaj Gambhir Singh with an estimated project cost of around Rs. 40 crore. He appreciated the Chief Secretary, Manipur Dr. Vineet Joshi for such initiative. He added, the idea for this project is to instill the spirit of nationalism, unity, and integrity to the present generations of our State.
He stated that old Langthabal palace will be developed with an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore. A Committee will be constituted consisting of teachers from universities, he added. A project on rejuvenation of Chandranadi river will be taken up with an estimated cost of Rs. 10 crore for the initial phase, he added.
The Chief Minister maintained that the illegal structures being constructed at the road side along the National Highway 102 near Manipur University will be removed immediately.
The Chief Minister added that a library will be constructed at the location of the Manipur Central library equipped with a national standard facility.
N. Biren Singh maintained that the construction of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) roads will begin in the greater Imphal area with a project cost of around Rs 3300 crore. The Chief Minister informed that proper compensation will be given to the affected landowners however encroachment and illegally constructed structures will be evicted. He also sought the people’s support for successfully implementing the said project.
Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou, was developed to showcase the inclusiveness of the state’s integrity. Similar to this, a Unity Mall is currently under construction, and it will feature stalls representing all recognized communities, he added.
Delivering his presidential speech, Minister for Forest Th. Biswajit Singh stated that it is our duty to remind the present and future generations the importance of maintaining the integrity of the State and how our forefathers kept the State intact.
The observance began with a performance of Dhop Pala performed by the Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy.
The Chief Minister led other cabinet ministers in paying floral tributes to the portrait of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and to the Statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra.
Later, a Guard of Honour, Gun Salute, sounding of Last Post by the contingents of Manipur Rifles, Tarpon Katpa, and obeisance to the Dhop Pala followed as part of the observance.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Maharaj Gambhir Singh Museum.
The program was attended by the Cabinet Ministers, Chairman, Hill Area Committee, Dinganglung Gangmei; Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja, Leishemba Sanajaoba; MLAs, Chief Secretary, Dr. Vineet Joshi; DGP, Rajiv Singh; Advocate General Lenin Singh Hijam; Administrative Secretaries, high ranking police officials, officials of the department and residents of Langthabal AC among others.
