Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged the people of the State tolity and ownership in preserving old traditions and customs irrespective of the religion followed by any community. He spoke at the State Level Gaan-Ngaid at Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village, Imphal West, take responsibility celebration held on Sunday, organised by the State Level Gaan-Ngai 2025 Celebration Committee.
Stating that all indigenous communities have coexisted since time immemorial, he said collective effort is needed to inculcate a sense of belongingness and oneness in the State. “We should safeguard our rich cultural heritage and traditions and honour the legacy of our ancestors,” he added.
During the celebration program, Mentioning about the ongoing series of catastrophic wildfires which have affected Los Angeles, USA, the Chief Minister maintained that mankind has not done justice to nature. Hence, natural calamities are frequently occurring in the world and in the state. Therefore, it’s high time to take the initiative to preserve and protect forests.
He recalled that the “Green Imphal, Green Manipur” initiative was taken up during 2004-05 while he was Forest and Environment Minister. He urged the people of the State to support and extend cooperation to such initiatives. It is our collective responsibility to work for a developed Manipur, he added. He suggested that the State-Levelval be organised in a grand manner at the Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou Gaan-Ngai Festi.
The Chief Minister informed that the government has requested an additional fund of around Rs. 100 crore for the upgradation of the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou. The said amount will be sanctioned soon. A Unity Mall is coming up at Keikol, Imphal East, with a budget of around Rs. 150 crore. Stating some development initiatives taken up in hill districts by the BJP-led government, he stated that earlier, Imphal to Tamenglong took at least 3 hours; however, today, it is just a 45-minute smooth drive.
N. Biren Singh maintained that construction work will be started for the Tamei to Tamenglong road with an estimated budget of Rs. 20 crore and Tamei to Kangpokpi road. He said the construction of the Imphal-Kangchup road will be completed soon. Three bridges will be built in the Imphal-Kangchup road which will enable commuters to reach Guwahati in only 8 hours, and the government working hard for connectivity through railway lines, he added.
Delivering his presidential speech, Water Resources Minister, Awangbow Newmai, praised N.Biren Singh for personally taking part in the celebration of the State Level Gaan-Ngai. The Minister extended his best wishes to the people of Manipur and prayed that the year 2025 be filled with goodness for all the people of the State.
The celebration began by offering Holy wine to the Almighty God. Followed by religious prayers, traditional songs, and cultural dance. Lastly, Gaan-Ngai traditional attire show by the Zeliangrong Film Forum, Manipur
The function was attended by Forest Minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh; Chairman of Hill Area Committee, Dinganglung Gangmei; MLA Patsoi AC, Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh; MLA Wangkhei AC, Thangjam Arunkumar Singh, MLA Kakching AC, M. Rameshwar Singh; MLA Tamenglong AC, Janghemlung Panmei; among others.
