My Brothers and Sisters of Manipur,
Khurumjari!
Today, on this auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of Statehood of Manipur, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Manipur. On this day, I would like to thank our people for their trust in the BJP-led government in the last five years. Owing to your support, the BJP-led government of the State under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has been driving the state on a journey of peace and prosperity. Today, I am sharing my vision for the coming decade so that a quarter-century later when we celebrate the 75th year of Statehood, the state of Manipur shines as the crown jewel of India leading in prosperity, innovation and development and sport.
I say with pride today that with your blessings, Manipurtoday is a new ‘Aspirational Manipur’ where the common man can dream big and achieve even more. Today Manipur stands on a foundation of peace and stability. This was not the case before our Government came to power in 2017, when blockade and bloodshed paralysedour streets, and violence and insurgency stalled our progress. After we formed the government, our top priority was to bring peace and stability in the state. We focussed on inclusive development, and on bridging gaps between the hill and the valley by taking development to all, irrespective of caste, creed or tribe.
Initiatives such as ‘Go to Hills’have seen overwhelming acceptance and participationacross communities. Another innovative administrative model that we have been privileged to introduce is the Go to Village Mission for doorstep delivery of government assistance to every village.
Trade and commerce has been at the center of our vision for Manipur. Our children are learning new things in a safer environment. Our youth can finally shed fear and start new ventures. We have been able to empower our women for taking upeconomic activities by constructing more Ema markets. We have established Women Police Stationsand One-Stop Centers in every district where the needs and safety concerns of our women are taken care of. The Lairik Tamhanlasi scheme ensures no child is left behind in getting education, which is due to them. Our government believes in “Transformation through Transportation”. For the first time in the history of our state, we are connected deeper in the railway map of India.
We are also fortunate to have a decisive and strong leader in Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under his visionary leadership, we are providing the benefits of various Centrally-Sponsored Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, and many more. This is what a ‘double-engine’ growth model can do for a state. Our Prime Minister has the best interest at heart for Manipur. He has gifted us with the Inner Line Permit—our long-standing demand to preserve our identity, heritage and culture. We must once again thank Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Honourable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji for renaming Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur in honour of Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and others who revolted against British rule.
The five years of our Government has etched an indelible mark in the growth story of Manipur. We have moved away from insurgency and have adopted peace development. But the task is not finished as yet. Our eyes should now be on the next decade: Decade of the Youth of Manipur. The next 10 years will be focussed on holistic development. From excelling in sports to providing better healthcares from scaling in innovation to having better road and rail infrastructure, from improving educational infrastructure to providing best facilities forStartups and entrepreneurs, the idea is to develop Manipur as a model state. The policies of the state are no longer about creating divides based on geography and ethnicity, but about making last mile delivery a reality.
In the coming decade, the state will move from an ‘Aspirational Manipur’ to a ‘Model Manipur’. ‘Model Manipur’ will be a growth story sketched from the sweat of our people. It mustbecome a model State for the rest of the country. In the coming decade,through better rail and road connectivity, Manipur will serve as the ‘Gateway of Trade and Commerce’ to the South East Asian countries. To promote trade in the state, linkages across the Bay of Bengaltrade network will be developed. Manipur’s trade routes will begin from where the sun rises and end where the sun sets. Robust trade and commerce activities will increase the per capita income and this will in turn open up new opportunities for the youth, and thereby bring all round prosperity.
The National Sports University will shape the sporting culture of the country. With the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minitercentredaround ‘Khelo India’, Manipur will emerge as a Model State for sportswith world class sporting infrastructure. The focus of ‘Model Manipur’ will also be on development of the state as a Global tourist hub. Numerous eco-tourism spots will be developed in the state for promotion of tourism. The glory of Loktak Lake will reach every nook and corner across the globe.
‘Model Manipur’ will be based onPM Modi’s vision for Vocal for Local. In order to utilise the vast potential of agro based industry in the state, the state will witness a major push on organic farming and agro based industry. With special focus on chakhao, kiwi, orange and pineapple, all sectors of horticulture and agriculture will be forward and backward-linked to facilitate exports. Manipur of the next decadewill also witness extensive preservation efforts as well as promotion of Manipur’s cultural heritage. From exotic cuisine to traditional dance forms, the various flavours of Manipur will be promoted through multiple regional as well as national cultural events.
‘Model Manipur’ will be a State free from corruption, insurgency and instability. Let us work towards making this ‘Model Manipur’ a reality in the coming decade. Together, we can build a Manipur which is inclusive, strong and integrated. I have full faith that BJP will form the next government to once again serve the people of Manipur. The BJP government in the next decade promises to provide:
Stability and not insurgency
Peace and not bloodshed
Merit and not commission
Development and not blockades
Innovation and not division
Glory and not criminalisation
I hope and pray that with your support, the BJP government will fulfil its vision for people. I again extend my warmest greetings to the people of Manipur on the 50th anniversary of our Statehood.
Long Live Manipur !
Khurumjari!
