IMPHAL, January 21: The 44th Statehood Day was observed at the Banquet Hall of the 1st Manipur Rifles today. Manipur became a full-fledged State on January 21, 1972.
In his address as the chief guest of the Statehood Day observation,Chief Minister Okam Ibobi appealed the people of Manipur to support the government to bring more development and a bright future for the State.
He said on this day, the State has observed the Statehood Day every year. Various communities co-existed under a King from time immemorial in Manipur, but in 1891 the independent State was kept under the British Empire. Manipur was merged into the Indian Union on October 15, 1949 and has been a part of a democratic country ever since, he added.
In 1972, an Assembly constituting of 60 constituencies existed. Among the 60 constituencies, 19 were reserved for Schedule Tribes and one for the Schedule Caste with the remaining 40 constituencies belonging to the general people, Chief Minister Ibobi said.
He said after attaining Statehood, Manipur has developed in various fields. Art and Culture along with Games and Sports have taken a vital role for the State despite its small population. The State government is now focussing on the lack of development in various fields, he added.
The far-flung and hill areas are now being developed by undertaking various projects under Centrally- sponsored schemes and projects, the Chief Minister said.
He further appealed the people of Manipur to help the government in developmental works.
Some of the remarkable achievements of the Congress government include facilitating the handing over of the Kangla Fort to the people of Manipur by the Assam Rifles, successfully handing over three Ima markets to women folks, establishment of JNIMS and NIT, upgrading Manipur University and RIMS to central institutions, establishment of an Indira Gandhi National Open University and the inauguration of the Khuga Multi-Purpose Project , Capitol Project complex, High Court complex and City Convention Centre which are assets of the State.
Above all the construction of a Mini Secretariat building, District Sports complex and 50-bedded hospitals at all the hill districts of Manipur. All the developmental works taken up in the State will bring in income, said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.
Speaking as the president of the function, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the Statehood was the fruit of the struggles of our fathers and forefathers. So, the present generation must not forget our fathers and forefather`s contribution and should always remember that in the future too, he said, further advising the State government officials and top government officials to attend the observations and celebrations of the State government.
During the observation, the council of ministers, the Rajya Sabha MP, the State Chief Secretary and DGP and other high ranking officials of different departments were also present.