Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday called on the people of the state to let bygones be bygone and work unitedly for a better, developed and peaceful tomorrow rather than dwell in the past mistakes.
Speaking at the Sadbhavana Diwas held at the Main Conference Hall, Manipur Secretariat (South Block) on Friday, the chief minister called upon the people to work doubly hard to make up for the time lost due to the ethnic violence which has rocked the state since May 3.
Sadbhavana Diwas is observed on August 20 every year, but as it falls on a Sunday this year, it was observed on Friday.
Stating that there will be differences of opinions in this juncture, the chief minister said that the immediate objective is to restore peace in the state and to ensure that government employees and the general public come together and work harder to make up for the lost three-four months.
It is better to let bygones be bygones, the CM said, and called for working unitedly for a better, developed and peaceful tomorrow rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
He also sought positive suggestions and advice for the welfare and unity of the state saying ‘’stay abreast in today’s development race, one must discard mistrust among the different sections, communal feelings, and selfishness”.
CM Biren further stated that Manipur needs to continue on a path of unity and equal development that it has achieved in the last six years but that it required the collective effort and trust of all the people.
He informed that there are attempts to divert from the issue or to allow the issue to linger on but that, what Manipur needs now is restoration of peace and normalcy.
“All should refrain from making comments and engage in discussion that could be upsetting for another community,” he said.
There will be differences of opinions but people should keep aside their self-interests and focus more on common interests, Biren said and appealed to the people of the state to promote oneness and development.
Regarding Sadbhavana Diwas, CM Biren said Rajiv Gandhi believed in the welfare and betterment of the people. On this day, people have been taking the Sadbhavana Pledge and that the pledge will help in promoting national integration and harmony.
The observation was attended by MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as president of the function and ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP, administrative secretaries, police and civil officers, among others attended the function.
