Ethnic Divisions Affecting Development in Manipur: CM

Imphal, Nov 19 : Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said sharp divides in ethnic line have emerged due to conflicting claims and aspirations and this has adversely affected all efforts to bring development in the state. Mr Singh said Manipur is a land of diversity.

It is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious state with more than 30 different tribal communities living together peacefully since time immemorial. But of late troubles in terms of ethnic rivalry and conflicts haave broken out, he observed.

Addressing the first state level tribal cultural festival, Mr Singh said, Manipur and all its resources belong to each and every one of us. We have inherited it from our forefathers and share a common ancestry and our best interest lies in a common goal and common future.

Harmonising and Honouring our culture is very relevant and appropriate and it is the need of the hour, he added. All should be equally developed and learn to live together in harmony, the Chief Minister reiterated.

Stating that tribal communities have traditionally been deprived, Mr Singh said all out efforts were being made by the government for their development and empowerment. Revival of the six District Councils after two decades is a big step in this direction, he added.