Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday warned that no villages or localities should change their names without the consent or approval of the concerned authorities or department.
He stated this during 1st Foundation Day of Salaicha Pibarel Punshi Marup, Manipur (SPPMM) at MSFDS, Palace Compound on Wednesday.
Addressing the function as chief guest, CM Biren termed it unfortunate that many places in the state are changing its name. The present government is very much focused on maintaining the originality of everything in the state which the forefather bestowed and anyone changing the name of village or localities without the consent of authority concerned will not tolerate it, the CM said. Besides this, the government will take strict action against those who try to distort the history of Manipur, he warned.
He said maintaining unity and integrity amongst various ethnic communities is the foremost step towards equal and inclusive development. The Meitei community, being a majority community, should take responsibility for maintaining the aged-old relation as a “guardian” of all communities by taking their sincere care and love, the CM said.
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There are still as many as 12 minority tribal communities whose population is less than 10,000. Considering their underprivileged condition, the state government is planning to open a cell in the department for the Welfare of Minorities and Other Backward Classes (MOBC) soon, Biren said. The state government appreciates whosoever is taking the initiative of preserving and promoting their ethic community but the government will not encourage if they intend to suppress other communities, he added.
Stating about the recent Nongmaiching Reserve Forest incident, where people started dwelling in the said forest, he said that anyone involved in giving land to this reserve forest area will be punished. Improper implementation of forest act in the state from past many years has resulted in encroaching even the reserve forest areas, the CM said, adding that many forest resources were also extracted recklessly by people.
Even the state government can’t do anything within the jurisdiction of the said forest. If required, the state government has to seek permission from the central government. As such, action will be taken up against those involved in the case of giving land to said reserved forest area, he announced.
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MP, Rajya Sabha Leishemba Sanajaoba recalled the history of seven years of devastation that took place from 1819 to 1826 stating that Manipur was almost completely destroyed during the period. But due to the hard work and dedication of our ancestors, the state was restored and later joined India, the MP said.
However, seeing the worsening situation of the state triggered by various factors, the state is about to see a second seven years of devastation, he lamented and cautioned the people of the state to be very cautious and prevent any kind of unwanted incident.
The MP also assured the construction of a hall for discussion of Puya, the manuscript of Meitei.
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Chairman of SPPM and MLA of Keirao constituency Lourembam Rameshwor Singh said that with an objective to protect the state from any unwanted incident that will threaten ethnic communities, SPPM was formed.
He said that the state is crippling with drug menace and there is a need for a strong joint venture to fight against this social issue. SPPM will extend all possible support and co-operation in any initiative taken up by the government for the welfare of society, he said.
Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh also attended the function as guest of honour.
