The 173rd
Death Anniversary of Narasingh was observed on Tuesday at Kangla wherein floral
tributes were paid to the portrait of Late Maharaj Narasingh at his Manglen.
The observation was organised by the State Archaeology, Department of Art and
Culture, Government of Manipur.
Chief
Minister N. Biren Singh led the other dignitaries in paying floral tributes
besides offering tarpan at Nungjeng Pukhri, Kangla. The Chief Minister also
paid obeisance to the Shree Shree Govinda Jiu Jalakeli Pala led by
Maharajkumari Hemamanjuri.
Addressing
the gathering during the formal programme, Biren expressed satisfaction that
the observation of the Death Anniversary of Maharaj Narasingh has become bigger
with much participation of Government officials and the public and organisation
of a formal programme.
The Chief
Minister underscored the need for the present generation to remember and honour
the sacrifices made by our great forefathers for defending the freedom of their
motherland. He expressed concern stating that the present generation seems to
forget the contribution of our forefathers, instead many youths are getting
addicted to drugs and intoxicants in the name of modern Manipur.
The Chief
Minister continued that acknowledging the heroic efforts of Maharaj Narasingh
and Herachandra in driving the Burmese away, to end the Seven Years Devastation
in 1826, the State Government had installed their statues beside the statue of
Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Canchipur. Apart from this, a bigger statue of Maharaj
Narasingh had also been installed in front of the Kangla Western Gate. Also,
installation of another statue of Maharaj Narasingh at Moreh near the Ningthi
River had been completed and would be inaugurated soon, he added.
The Chief
Minister stressed on the need to maintain unity among different communities
residing across the State, adding that the State Government had set up
traditional huts representing different indigenous tribes of Manipur at the
Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou to showcase and promote our rich
indigenous cultures.
He informed
that the delegates of G20, who were on their visit to the State earlier this
year were surprised to see the beauty and diversity of the State’s culture and
tradition.
Biren
further maintained that the State is moving ahead towards development with
considerable improvement in law and order situation. He added that domestic and
foreign tourists do not have any tense feeling in visiting the State.
He said that
the State has become an attractive destination because of the support of the
public in maintaining peace across the State. As such, many events like G20,
Tri-Nation Football Tournament and Grand Finale of Femina Miss India are being
held in the State, he added.
Further
stating that the habit of cleanliness has been associated with our culture and
tradition since time immemorial, he appealed to the public to also take concern
in maintaining cleanliness outside their respective residences too, as they do
to make their house neat and clean.
He also
disclosed that he had instructed the Police Department to catch those people
who throw garbage in rivers, which has been a major factor polluting the river.
He further informed that bottle banks have also been installed at different
places to drop plastic bottles.
Concluding
his speech, the Chief Minister reiterated that the people of the State have
been able to live as a civilization because of the selfless sacrifices and
contribution made by our forefathers. He expressed the need for all communities
to live together as one and join hands to take the State to a new height of
development.
He also
informed that the State Government would start a mass tree plantation drive in
the coming rainy season, in various hill and valley areas of the State and in
this regard he sought support of the people.
Delivering
his Presidential speech, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Yumnam
Khemchand Singh stressed on the importance of remembering and honouring our
great forefathers for their heroic efforts to drive the Burmese soldiers away
during the period of Seven Years Devastation. Maharaj Narsingh was one of the
kings of Manipur who had taken a significant role in saving the Manipur
civilization from the atrocities of the Burmese soldiers, he added.
Highlighting
the development and progress of the State under the leadership of Chief
Minister Biren, he maintained that the developmental gap between the hill and
valley region had been bridged by taking up various welfare initiatives. He
continued that the law and order situation of the State has considerably
improved, with prevalence of peace across the State and subsequently many
tourists have started visiting the State in the recent years.
Guard of
Honour, Gun Salute, and Sounding of Last Post by a contingent of 1st Battalion
Manipur Rifles were also the highlights of the observance. A two-minute silence
was also observed by all as a mark of respect to Late Maharaj Narasingh.
Transport
Minister Kashim Vashum, Member of Parliament Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLA
of Wangkhei AC Thangjam Arunkumar, MLA of Moirang AC Thongam Shanti, MLA of
Wangoi Khuraijam Loken, MLA of Oinam AC Irengbam Nalini Devi, Director General
of Police P. Doungel and Senior Government Officials also attended the
observance function among others.
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