Kangpokpi, May 28 2022: Emphasising that indigenous Kukis are also bona fide citizens of India, chief minister N Biren urged all concerned not to let any external influence ruin the peaceful coexistence among various communities of the state.
He also said that we should prevent illegal migrants from settling among us.
Addressing a gathering after a ‘Mass Plantation Drive’ organised by the state’s Forest Department at Kanglatongbi-Kangpokpi Reserved Forest areas on Saturday, the chief minister stated that any government cannot function without the support of the people, as such cooperation from the people of Manipur is a must for good governance in the state.
Regarding the recent spike in the spread of hate speeches on various social media platforms, N Biren Singh reiterated that such activities need to be immediately stopped as it will create communal tension among the communities of the state.
Mentioning that it is the second time such a plantation drive has been organised in the area, he appealed to the people and stakeholders- to protect the reserved forests and further added that all should also plant trees in their respective villages and other areas.
Expressing disappointment over construction of roads in reserved forest areas, N Biren conveyed that he was really surprised at why the Forest Department and the government officials didn’t stop such constructions which eventually helped smugglers to transport timbers with ease.
The chief minister noted that it is hu man nature to access the nearest available resources, hence, the Forest Department and the deputy commissioner concerned must, identify and classify areas such as reserved forests, protected forests, etc., and restrict human activities in such areas as per relevant laws.
He also thanked commerce and industries minister Nemcha Kipgen, Forest Department and local bodies for organising such a plantation drive, while adding that it needs involvement of all sections of the society.
Expressing satisfaction over the mass support from almost all the communities of the state on the government’s ‘War on Drugs’ campaign, N Biren said that it is due to the support of the people that the government is marching towards completely uprooting drug menace and stopping poppy plantations in the state.
Biren also emphasised that he is not against any specific community, but he is opposed to deforestation, corruption, poppy plantation and drug trafficking.
The drive was also attended by ministers L Susindro Meitei, Nemcha Kipgen, Th Basantakumar Singh; MLAs K Robindro Singh, L Rameshwor Meitei, Kimneo Haokip Hangshing; PCCF and HoFF Dr AK Joshi; additional chief secretary M H Khan among others.