Imphal, April 20: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged citizens to maintain peace and cooperation during a recent event. He emphasized that strikes and disruptions significantly impact daily wage earners and the general public. Thus, fostering social harmony is a collective responsibility.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while unveiling a memorial stone in Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, dedicated to the victims of the Japanese air raid on April 20, 1943. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of this tragic event.
Referring to the bombing incident on April 7 in Bishnupur district, Singh stated that the government is taking the matter very seriously. The attack resulted in the deaths of two minor children and injuries to their mother. He noted that two rounds of meetings have already taken place with the joint action committee regarding this issue.
The government has accepted the demands of the affected families, proposing government jobs for the parents of the deceased children.
While paying tribute to innocent civilians killed during World War II, Singh highlighted that over 100 lives were lost in the air raid at Khurai Chingangbam Mandap, which had a profound impact on Manipuri society. He also performed a ritual for the peace of the departed souls alongside attendees.
Recalling the historic battle of Imphal, the Chief Minister noted that more than 20,000 lives were lost in the conflict between Allied forces and the Japanese army. He remarked that such events remind us of the tragic chapters in our history.
On the proposal to declare the memorial site as a heritage site, the Chief Minister stated that the government will consider it. A commemorative booklet was also released during the occasion.
Following the event, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a women’s market shed in New Chekon, aimed at strengthening local infrastructure and providing better facilities for women vendors.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, committee members, and representatives from the Imphal Campaign Foundation.
Leave a Comment