Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has called for unity beyond community lines, asserting that Manipur’s integrity, peace and economic progress cannot be achieved through community-centric approaches or by prioritising the interests of one particular community.
Stating that Manipur is home to 36 different communities, the Chief Minister emphasised that the State must be governed by taking into account the interests of all communities. He urged people to rise above narrow community considerations and work collectively towards restoring peace, strengthening unity and ensuring development.
He was speaking at the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal, today.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Khemchand Singh said that October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is observed across the country to commemorate his invaluable contributions towards national unity and integrity. The observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Recalling Patel’s role in India’s freedom struggle, the Chief Minister highlighted his contributions to various movements against British rule, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.
He also recalled Patel’s historic role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union after independence, describing his efforts as instrumental in strengthening the unity and territorial integrity of the country.
The Chief Minister further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on October 31, 2018, in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue is recognised as the world’s tallest.
As part of the observance, nine contingents participated in the march past commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commanding Officer of the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB). A choreographic presentation titled “Akhoigi Apunba Saktam” (Our Collective Identity) was also presented by the Government Dance Academy.
The programme was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police, senior administrative officers and senior police officials, among others.