Correspondent
IMPHAL, SEP 26: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, in a speech during his Senapati visit on Saturday stressed that peace and economic development were closely interconnected.
“How can we develop if the state’s economy is affected? The only way to build a developed Manipur and a stronger economy is to restore peace,” Singh said while addressing at the silver jubilee celebration of Don Bosco College, Maram in Senapati district.
The autonomous college commemorated 25 years of its journey under the theme “Heritage to Horizons.”
On his arrival, the chief minister was accorded a warm welcome by a large gathering of students, faculty members, alumni, local leaders and members of the public.
Highlighting the economic impact during the crisis, the chief minister reiterated the loss Manipur suffered was around Rs 1,300 crore in GST collection during the last three years.
He said that the economic disruption caused by the crisis has affected development and the livelihoods of people especially living below the poverty line.
He added that the purpose of education was not merely to acquire degrees but to create a better, responsible and developed society.
The chief minister observed that the demands and aspirations raised by Don Bosco College were ultimately aimed at creating a better society and securing a better future for Manipur.
Recalling the long history of Manipur, Singh said that the state has been safeguarded through the collective contributions of its 36 communities over 2000 years.
He stressed that the strength of Manipur lies in its unity and that if the people remain divided, the collective strength of the state will become weak.
The chief minister has previously emphasized that development can take place only when all communities progress together.
The chief minister said that Manipur is a state comprising various communities and noted that misunderstandings and communication gap among communities have unfortunately contributed to various issues.
Recalling his experiences of living and travelling in foreign countries, Singh stressed the importance of humanity, honesty and mutual respect in building a progressive society.
He urged the people of Manipur to uphold these values in their everyday lives and to work towards creating a society based on trust, understanding and cooperation.
Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, the chief minister urged people to protect the state’s natural resources and forests.
He appealed that whenever a tree is cut, two or three saplings should be planted in its place, stressing that development must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
The celebration featured various cultural performances and traditional presentations, adding colour to the silver jubilee programme.
The event was also attended by deputy chief minister Losii Dikho; former minister Francis Ngajokpa, Rev Fr Joseph Pampackal SDB, provincial of the Salesian Province of Dimapur, college authorities, faculty members, students and alumni among others.
During the program, the chief minister unveiled the silver jubilee stone and released the silver jubilee souvenir.