‘Welfare policy for artists of the state will be introduced soon’

IMPHAL | Dec 16

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh said that the root cause of the present unrest in the state is due to mistakes committed in the past. The CM was speaking as chief guest at the 9th and 10th Manipur State Film Awards Distribution Ceremony held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) today.

He stressed that various issues such as conflict between the communities, illegal migrant and other issues can be erased if people of the state worked together for a common goal. Past is past but the present generation should be cautious to avoid mistakes done in the past, he added.

He also stated that the present government will ensure transparency in governance to avoid the past mistakes.

Condemning the burning of CM’s effigy recently during a protest, N. Biren stated that the present government is committed to bring positive change in the state and will not do anything wrong which is against the people of the state. He further stated that the present government has already initiated several schemes which aim to deliver good governance.

Stating that government’s intervention is needed to support the artists of the state, he said that the government is working out a welfare policy for better livelihood, to uplift the living standards and welfare of the performing artists and their families. The CM lamented that though Manipur is a small state, the films made here have brought many laurels at national and international arena. He mentioned that the state has huge potential and talent in the field of cinema however there are less number of people who appreciate and support.

Mentioning some of the initiatives of the present government, N. Biren Singh said that ‘Imphal Evenings’ was introduced to present an opportunity to the people to spend some quality time with their families and friends together and to show to the world that Manipur is no more a conflict state. He stated that various MoUs worth 5000-6000 crores had been signed with different companies during the recently concluded North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017. The government would be signing MoU with a company for setting up of a private medical college in the state soon, he added.

On the occasion, he announced that he would be visiting Behiang, border village between India and Myanmar on December 19 and would be laying the foundation stone for the construction of Maharaja Chandrakriti Memorial Park.

Delivering his presidential speech, minister for Art and Culture, L. Jayantakumar Singh said that the journey of Manipuri films has just begun but it has brought many laurels to the state in both national and international platforms in a short span. He announced that MSFDS would be screening films from various states and countries on every Saturdays and Sundays soon.

On the occasion, the CM conferred Lifetime Achievement Award to the veteran artists, Oinam Biramangol Singh and Lourembam (O) Pishak for their contribution towards Manipuri cinema. Various film awards in the different categories were also given to various artists during the award ceremony. The award ceremony was organised by MSFDS.