CM expresses gratitude for renaming Mt Harriet to Mt Manipur

IMPHAL, Oct 17 (DIPR)
Expressing deep appreciation and gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other Central leaders over the renaming of ‘Mount Harriet’ at Kalapani in Andaman and Nicobar Island to ‘Mount 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 Narendra Modi has been giving special attention to the State.
Speaking to media persons at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat today, N Biren Singh said that after the announcement of renaming ‘Mount Harriet’ as ‘Mount Manipur’ by Union Home Minister Amit Shah yesterday at Port Blair, the people of Manipur are overwhelmed with joy and happiness.
He said that Amit 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 happiness and gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and all the Cabinet Ministers at the Centre for such a priceless gift to the people of Manipur.
N Biren further said, "People of Manipur are overwhelmed with joy by the words of Amit Shah for giving so much respect and honour to our forefathers and freedom fighters of Manipur."
The Union Home Minister not only praised the valour and selfless sacrifice of our forefathers who fought valiantly against the mighty British knowing that they would be defeated he also recognised the then political status of Manipur and mentioned that Manipur had its own written Constitution before it merged with the Indian Union, the CM noted.
The Chief Minister also announced that a candle lighting celebration will be held today across the State to show deep appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and all the Central leaders. Maintaining that historical facts can never be distorted, N Biren 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 Amit 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 Island in honour of 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.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh, Minister for Education S Rajen Singh, Minister for Agriculture O Lukhoi, Minister for CAF&PD Th Satyabrata and others were present during the press conference.