Tue Jan 21 10:36:13 UTC 2025: ## Manipur Chief Minister Calls for Unity and Peace on Statehood Day
**Imphal, Manipur –** Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh urged for unity and dialogue on the 53rd Statehood Day celebrations on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. His appeal comes amidst ongoing ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023.
Singh emphasized the need for all recognized tribes to coexist peacefully, calling for an end to divisive rhetoric and a focus on resolving misunderstandings through discussion. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, clarifying that this initiative is not targeted at existing residents.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s success in combating drug trafficking, claiming the destruction of ₹70,000-₹80,000 crore worth of illegal drugs since launching an anti-drug campaign in 2018. This campaign involved the eradication of over 30,000 hectares of poppy plantations and the arrest of several village chiefs. He urged continued collective efforts to eradicate the drug menace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the people of Manipur on their Statehood Day, praising their contribution to India’s development and wishing them continued progress.
Responding to questions about the Hill Tribal Council’s (HTC) ban on the Meitei script in Moreh town, Singh asserted that the state government maintains authority. The Chief Minister’s Statehood Day address focused on a message of peace, unity, and progress for the future of Manipur.
First Piper 