Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday urged all communities in the state to uphold peaceful co-existence and harmony, emphasizing that his government harbors no bias against any group. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee cum VIIIth Biennial Sports Meet 2025 of the All Maring Sports Association (AMSA), Singh highlighted the importance of unity and mutual understanding among indigenous communities.

“We should remember how our forefathers safeguarded our motherland together from external forces,” Singh remarked during the event held at the AMSA Sports Complex in Laiching Kangshang village, Tengnoupal district. The meet was organized under the theme “Legacy of Yesterday, Champion of Tomorrow.”

Biren Singh recalled the historical contributions of the Maring community, particularly their role in the “Seven Years Devastation” period, when they provided poison for the Arambai weapons used to repel Burmese forces. He also raised concerns about rising unemployment and its link to drug addiction among youth, highlighting his government’s “War on Drugs” campaign as a means to safeguard future generations.

Praising the villagers of Laiching Kangshang for their focus on vegetable cultivation over poppy farming, Singh announced several developmental initiatives. He pledged to allocate Rs 2.5 crore in the next budget for constructing a sports complex with an indoor gym, assured the opening of an employment exchange office in the Machi sub-division, and promised to blacktop the road connecting Pallel to Laiching Kangshang. Additionally, a women’s market will be established in the village.

The Chief Minister also addressed concerns about illegal migrants and the proliferation of unrecognized villages in border areas, reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.

State Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, who was also present, lauded the Maring community’s bravery and sporting talents. He emphasized the need to nurture young athletes for future success. During the program, Singh released a souvenir commemorating AMSA’s diamond jubilee.