Manipur CM appeals for unity amid crisis at Sanaleibak golden jubilee

IMPHAL — Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh on Monday appealed to all sections of the society to stand united to find a solution to the ongoing crisis in the state.

Manipur has been in turmoil since the ethnic conflict broke out between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3 this year, killing more than 150 people and leaving thousands of people homeless.

Speaking during the golden jubilee celebration of Sanaleibak, a vernacular daily, in Imphal, the CM said the government cannot allow any threat to the unity of the state or to disintegrate about 34 communities residing in the state.

‘Let political differences remain as political issues, but when the issue at hand is national or state unity, all differences should be dismissed,’ he said, adding that this is not the time for bickering.

He also highlighted the values of tolerance and inclusivity in the Indian democracy, saying that the government welcomes all constructive criticism, advice and suggestions.

Lauding the steps taken by the UNACCO group, a non-government company in the field of education, he also highlighted the changes seen in the state under the present government over the last 5-6 years. He claimed that the government has never said no to any deserving ideas.

While acknowledging the difficulties faced by the journalists, he also highlighted some of the efforts taken up by the government for the welfare of the fraternity, including the increase in pension amount and coverage of all journalists under the Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang.

He later posted on X (formerly Twitter):  “Attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sanaleibak Daily Newspaper at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal. The role of journalists to disseminate facts and truth has become ever more challenging with various anti-national elements spreading disinformation & false propaganda on various platforms. Media houses must reaffirm their stand to defend the truth by upholding the values & ethics of journalism.”

The event was attended by entrepreneurs, civil society organisation leaders, media persons, academicians and politicians.

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