IT News
Imphal, Nov 27
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today made a desperate call to the people of the state in general and the representatives of the COCOMI in particular to support the Sangai Festival, which is an asset of the people of Manipur.
“The state government had assured for protection of the territorial and administrative integrity time and again, we have fulfilled the demands of the COCOMI by taking 18 of their representatives and arranged a meeting which was fruitful as the Union Home Minister himself had given assurance for protection of the territorial and administrative integrity, please lift the boycott and support the Sangai festival”, N. Biren Singh appealed through reporters at his office Chamber.
“ I feel upset seeing the way that people of our state are showing to foreign tourists and stalls who come all the way from Egypt or Thailand to participate the Sangai Festival”, N. Biren Singh said appealing the COCOMI not to wait for November 29 for lifting it.
Reacting to some criticisms towards the response of his government from some people indirectly without mentioning their name, N. Biren Singh questioned the people to realize on which government placed the right platform to the issue concerning the state in connection with the issues arising of the Naga Final settlement.
“Despite the hectic schedule, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had given appointment understanding the seriousness of the issue of Manipur and spare around one hour to listen the sentiment of the people”, the Chief Minister said and added that he and his team had kept their words and that the COCOMI should keep their words too. As according to him the COCOMI had assured to lift the boycott called on Sangai Festival if the Government of Manipur arranges a meeting with the Union Home Minister or convened assembly session.
“They told us to either arrange meeting with the Home Minister or convene assembly session, and understanding the seriousness of the issue we fulfilled both the demand and why shouldn’t the ban on Sangai Festival be lifted”, Biren said.
On issue of citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), the Chief Minister said that the stand of the state government is clear.
“We know that introduction of CAB will not immediately affect the state and the people but the apprehension is the tendency to affect the state in the future”, Biren said adding that his government has been urging the center for insertion of clause to make sure that the CAB does not affect the state.
“Home Minister himself asked me about the issue of the CAB after the meeting with the COCOMI representatives and I have asked him to insert a clause or arrange something for protection of the state from CAB”, N. Biren Singh said.
Interestingly, almost all the cabinet colleagues of the BJP led government including Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar, Chief whip MLA P Sharat among others were also present during the meeting with media persons.
