Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh issued a strong warning to individuals or groups against brandishing illegal firearms and roaming the streets which can worsen the law and order situation in the state.

Biren made the warning during the laying of foundation stones and inauguration of developmental projects taken up under WAQF Board Manipur at Haj Complex, Lilong Karampat in Thoubal District.

The Manipur Chief Minister addressing the gathering said “no one, other than state machineries, can take the law into their hands. The government will not remain silent spectators to those individuals or groups roaming the streets with illegal firearms and will take stringent action as per the law”.

Biren also said that soon after the formation of the BJP led government in the State, its first priority was to provide rights of being an Indian citizen to the people and bring development and peaceful co- existence in the State.

He further said that the government is not against any community which has been residing together in the State. The government has never asked any of these communities to leave the State, all these communities should live together peacefully in unity like different flowers in a garden, he added.

While condemning attacks on civilians, the Manipur CM said “there is no need for violence, because there are constitutional provisions for every issue”.

Further seeking support of the communities and their leaders, the Chief Minister also said that he is in constant touch with community leaders to restore normalcy in the state.

Highlighting various schemes implemented by the government like the Go to Village and Go to Hills, the Chief Minister observed that these schemes have brought governance to the doorsteps of the common people and bridged the gap between the people.

While saying that the present government believes in equal development, he said “he has been working towards building a unified Manipur”. The Manipur CM also spoke on various developmental works undertaken in the hill districts including the Manipur Southern Cultural Centre at Behiang in Churachandpur District, the Makhel Heritage Park in Senapati District, and Medical College at Churachandpur.

Urging the Meitei Pangal(Meitei Muslim) leaders to support the government in its endeavor to check the influx of illegal foreigners, he purposely said that it is time to deliberate on various issues like drugs, deforestation, and its impact on climate.

 The function was also attended by Ministers Konthoujam Govindas Singh, L. Susindro Meitei, Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, Manipur WAQF Board Chairperson Muhammad Abdul Nasir, MLAs and people of the area.