Newmai News Network
Imphal | October 17
Expressing appreciation and gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders over the renaming of Mount Harriet at Kalapani in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to ‘Mount Manipur’, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that it is indeed a proud moment for the people of Manipur that the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister N has been giving special attention to the State.
Speaking to media persons at Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal today, Singh said that after the announcement of renaming of ‘Mount Harriet’ to ‘Mount Manipur’ by Shah on Saturday at Port Blair, the people of Manipur are overwhelmed with joy.
He stressed that Shah also paid rich tribute to Maharaj Kulachandra and 22 other martyrs of Anglo-Manipur War 1891 who were exiled and jailed in Kalapani after the Britishers witnessed their great courage, spirit and love for their motherland.
On behalf of the people of Manipur and government, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister, Home Minister and all the Cabinet Ministers at the Centre for such a priceless gift to the people of Manipur, he said.
Singh further stressed that the people of State are "overwhelmed with joy by the words of Amit Shah for giving so much of respect and honour to our forefathers and freedom fighters of Manipur". He mentioned that the Union Home Minister also praised the "valour and selfless sacrifice of our forefathers who fought valiantly against mighty British forces knowing that they would be defeated". Amit Shah also recognised the then political status of Manipur and mentioned that Manipur had its own written Constitution before it merged to the Indian Union, he added.
The Chief Minister announced that a candle lighting celebration will be held today across the State "so as to show our deep appreciation" to Prime Minister, Home Minister and all the Central leaders.
Maintaining that historical facts can never be distorted, Singh said that some vested groups are attempting to distort the history of Manipur. He appealed to all concerned to stop such ill practice immediately as it could hurt the sentiments of other communities and affect the integrity of the State.
It may be noted that Shah made the announcement on Saturday, as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, while addressing a public rally at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in honour to the freedom fighters from Manipur. He also added that the Central government would assist the Manipur government in establishing a memorial site at Mount Manipur.
