Silchar, May 29 2022: Manipur chief minister Biren Singh claimed that the previous governments in Assam did not care about the Manipuri people residing in the state.
N Biren made the remarks on Sunday, while attending the All Assam Manipuri People’s Convention at Silchar in Cachar district of Assam.
“Over six lakh Manipuri people live in Assam.
But they were never heard by the previous governments in the state,” said Biren.
The Manipur CM said that he is in talks with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma for grant of a special package for the Manipuri people residing in Assam.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Biren expressed elation over the huge turnout of Assam Manipuris including Meiteis, Meitei Pangal, etc., who came from every nook and corner of Assam to attend the convention.
He stated that Manipuris residing in Assam and Manipur have unbreakable blood ties since time immemorial and stressed on the need to always foster the same spirit of brotherhood among, us.
It is believed that Meiteis, the Ahom of Assam and the Nagas once lived in harmony at Makhel village in Senapati district of Manipur, he stated and added that in an attempt to relive that good old memories or myth, Reunited Heritage Park of Manipur will be constructed at Makhel village.
While asserting that one should never forget the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers in preserving and protecting our land, rich culture, tradition and heritage, the chief minister said “we should stand together against anyone who tries to distort our great history”.
He stated that due to internal disagreements in the past, our forefathers gave room for external colonial and invasive powers to rule our land like the Seven Years Devastation, British invasion, etc.
“As such, we should learn these lessons from history and always stand united as there is a saying that united we stand, divided we fall,” he cautioned.
Regarding the construction of Manipur Bhavan in Assam, Biren announced that Manipur government is working for the procurement of a land plot and announced that once the process is complete, a cabinet decision will be taken very soon.
He also appealed to the Manipuris in Assam to be loyal to their state and country and added that any type grievances, may be educational, political, health or demographic which they couldn’t approach to Assam government could be conveyed through him.
He also affirmed that priority will be also given to them, while visiting Manipur, for staying in the guest house for chiefs of all hill districts being constructed in Imphal.
The convention was organised by All Assam Manipuri Youths’ Association (AAMYA).
The chief minister was accorded a warm welcome by people of Manipuri communities of Assam.
Minister L Susindro Meitei, MLA Kongkham Robindro, AAMYA chief advisor Ksh Kundan, IPSA Manipur vice president Khuraijam Athouba, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Assam general secretary prof Kh Dhiren Singh also attended the function among others.
The morning session of the convention had a discourse that deliberated on issues and prospects of Assam Manipuri people.
The discourse, moderated by Khuraijam Athouba, Vice President IPSA Manipur, was attended by leaders of several Assam based Manipuri CSOs.
A special programme from actors and singers of Manipur and a martial arts show were the other highlights of the convention.