Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Imphal, Jul 22: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said the state is steadily moving towards peace and normalcy after enduring nearly three years of prolonged unrest that severely affected the lives and livelihoods of its people.
Speaking at a welfare benefits distribution programme organised by the Social Welfare Department at the City Convention Centre in Imphal, the Chief Minister acknowledged the immense financial and emotional hardships faced by residents during the prolonged crisis.
"The past three years have been extremely challenging for Manipur. The prolonged unrest has caused significant financial difficulties and mental distress to the people. However, I am confident that peace, stability and normalcy are gradually returning," Singh said.
The event saw the distribution of welfare assistance worth Rs 91.66 crore to beneficiaries under various social welfare programmes.
The chief minister said the state government has introduced several initiatives to ease the financial burden on citizens, attributing the support to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
He expressed hope that the assistance would provide meaningful relief to affected families and help them rebuild their lives.
Emphasising the importance of unity and development, Singh said lasting progress in Manipur would only be possible through peace, collective effort and hard work.
He appealed to people from all communities to strengthen social harmony and work together for the state's future.
"Everyone living in Manipur should consider themselves Manipuris and contribute towards building a stronger and more prosperous state," he said.
Delivering the presidential address at the programme, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel highlighted the hardships endured by vulnerable sections of society during the recent years of unrest.
He noted that women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, widows and internally displaced persons (IDPs) had borne the greatest impact of the crisis.
Goel said it was the collective responsibility of society and the government to ensure that these groups receive adequate care, protection, support and opportunities.
He described the welfare distribution programme as a reflection of the government's commitment to inclusive development, social justice and the well-being of every section of society.
During the event, Chief Minister Singh also launched the Integrated Monthly Pension Processing System, aimed at streamlining the disbursement of pensions to eligible beneficiaries.
Nearly 2.41 lakh beneficiaries received assistance under 17 welfare schemes implemented by the Social Welfare Department, with the total financial outlay exceeding Rs 91.66 crore.
The programme was attended by Arts and Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, legislators, senior government officials, beneficiaries and students.