India's 75th Independence Day was celebrated in Manipur on Sunday with the hosting of the tricolour National Flag with Rashtriya salute by Chief Minister N Biren Singh at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren assured that the state government will rid drug menace from Manipur in the very near future. He stated that tremendous development has been brought in the state during the four-and-half-year of the state government led by the BJP.
Highlighting the various achievements and progress of the present state government, he stated that the law and order of the state has been improved and cited the Most Improved Small State (Overall) and Law and Order Awards recieved at the India Today e-State of the States Conclave and Awards 2020.
Biren also mentioned that a total of 1,039 insurgents belonging to different outfits had laid down arms till date and the state had witnessed decrease in bandhs and blockades in the last few years.
Moreover, the public has started witnessing night life in the state and the truck transporters have even removed the guard to defend the windshield as the highways have become safe, he said.
The gaps and relationship between the public and police have been strengthened by implementing a healthy community policing and there is no communal hatred between different communities, he added.
Regarding the war on drugs, CM Biren said that one should never politicise the issues related to drug menace. He informed that the state law enforcing agency had destroyed 13,660 hectares of poppy plantation, seized 1,000 kilograms of opium, 100 kilograms of heroin and busted many brown sugar manufacturing laboratories.
The newly established NDPS (Fast Track Court) had disposed 314 cases with 51 conviction and since January 1,2017, the NDPS Court had disposed 962 cases with 87 convicted, he said, adding moreover the state police had arrested international drug dealer Kyaw Kyaw Naing, a Myanmar national.
The poppy farmers were also given an alternative means of farming after destroying the poppy plantation so that the livelihood of the poor farmers are not affected, he further informed.
Biren also informed that in the second edition of the Indian Innovation Index, 2020 prepared by NITI Aayog, the state ranked third position under the North-Eastern and Hill States category and first position in the Northeast states category and the CMHT was recognised and awarded as the best designed health insurance scheme by the Indian Express Group.
Chandel district topped the Delta Ranking of 112 districts for June 2021 under Aspirational District Programme of NITI Aayog.
Manipur's MSPDCL had been awarded the Best Performance Improvement Award and Overall Winner: Innovation with Impact Award for North Eastern states among all the distribution companies in the country in the 7th Innovation with Impact Awards for Discoms 2019. MSPDCL also received ‘Overall Innovation with Impact Award (North Eastern States)’ in 14th India Energy Summit 2021, he added.
In regards to the allegation on unavailability of fertilisers, the chief minister clarified that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state, the farmers can collect the fertiliser from the concerned MLAs, DCs and officials by producing valid proof.
Moreover, the state government has taken up steps to ensure that all farmers get the fertilisers, he added.
The Centre had rendered invaluable assistance to Manipur during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, informing that the state government had also strengthened its healthcare staff and infrastructures.
A total of 14.25 lakh persons had received vaccination in the state with 2.6 lakh already receiving the second dose of the vaccine, Biren informed, adding that the government is targeting to vaccinate the remaining seven lakh individuals by September.
"If once all the eligible individuals are vaccinated, the state can easily overcome the pandemic," said Biren.
Stating that the government ensures full functioning of universities, he said that regular vice-chancellors of DM University, Manipur University of Culture and MU have been appointed.
He also informed that 60 schools had been covered under the School Fagathansi Mission and enrolment of students had increased by 25 per cent so far in these 60 schools.
During the celebration, the chief minister reviewed the guard of honour which was coordinated by 12 contingents commanded by SP of CID (Technical) Anupam.
Later, the chief minister received salute from the 12 march past contingents comprising personnel from BSF, CRPF, Manipur police, Traffic police, Home Guards, VDF and NCC.
Medals, commendation certificates and trophies were also handed over to different armed personnel and government employees, during the celebration.
Inspector B Lunthang Vaiphei and havildar Md Samadur Rahaman were decorated with the Police Medal for Gallantry while the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training, 2018-19 was presented to jemamdar K Priyojit Singh, riflemen Th Digbijoy Singh, W Surjit Singh and Kh Tomba Singh.
Chief Minister’s Trophy for Community Service was awarded to Pherzawl SP Lakshay Sharma, inspector N Ingocha Singh and constable N Romila Devi. Chief Minister’s Trophy for Anti-Drug Campaign was presented to Imphal West SP S Ibomcha, subedar Y Shaktisen Singh and head constable Ibotombi Singh.
Chief Minister’s Award for Good Governance (Individual Category) was awarded to ADGP L Kailun, secretary to CM N Geoffrey and joint secretary (finance) Neilenthang Telien, while Chief Minister’s Award for Good Governance (Team Category) was handed over to Health department, Home department, Horticulture department, Jiribam District, Senapati District, e-Office team and TA and Hills Department.
