Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in his endeavour to bring unity and tighten the brotherhood of all communities in Manipur on Friday, has announced the construction of one library each for all recognized communities of the State soon as a Christmas and New Year gift to the people of the State.

Chief Minister made the announcement while speaking as the Chief Guest at the Curtain Raiser of the Commissioning of the INS Imphal at Kangla in Imphal.

Wishing the people an Advance Christmas and a happy New Year, he said “peace is slowly returning to the State with the support of the masses.

INS Imphal is the third ship of the Vishakapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. The keel of Imphal was laid down on 19th May, 2017 and was launched on 20th April, 2019 at Mazagon Dock Limited of Mumbai.

The Ship was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Imphal during World War II. And it is the first Indian Navy ship named after the capital city of Manipur and first one to be named in any city of Northeast India.

Saying that the entire state should feel proud of the naming of the Warship INS Imphal, Biren said “despite its size, Manipur has earned its own place in the world”.

He further said that whatever recognition we are getting today is because of our forefathers’ contributions and sacrifices. “The naming of the Warship INS Imphal is a recognition and show of respect to Manipur’s rich history and past glory and that the people of the State should also reciprocate and appreciate the Central leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and others by fulfilling our responsibilities towards building One Bharat Strong Bharat” he added.

“Politics is not just development of infrastructure, but it is also about rolling out policies which will deliver long term welfare to the communities and the State”, the Manipur CM mentioned.

He also highlighted the renaming of Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur, nomination of sportspersons Naorem Roshibina Devi and Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu for Arjuna Award and extension of Inner Line Permit system to Manipur.

The ceremony was also attended by Ministers, MLAs, Security Advisor, Chief Secretary, DGP, civil and police officials, distinguished personalities from diverse fields, NCC cadets, students among others. As part of the ceremony, a painting competition was also organized and a video on INS Imphal shown.