By Dr Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: With an aim to strengthen the cause of the minorities, the Minorities Rights Day was observed in Manipur too by the Manipur State Minorities Commission (MSMC).
Graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the function was held on December 18 at the Maharaja Chandrakirti Auditorium, near Palace Compound, here.
Others present were MSMC Chairperson A Halim Chowdhury, IAS (Retd), Parliamentary Secretary (MOBC & SC and Sc & Tech.) Md Amin Shah, MLA and Chairman of Wakf Board, Manipur, Md Fajur Rahim, MLA and Chairman of Manipur State Pollution Control Board Ng Bijoy, MLA Y Surchandra, MLA Kh Devendro, Members of MSMC Prof MS Ningomba and Rev N Devendra Singh as Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour respectively.
Addressing the gathering, CM O Ibobi said, “Manipur is a small state populated by different communities. We all should strive to bring peace and harmony among the different communities.”
“The state government had been ensuring and protecting the rights of the minority communities. The government had also been providing opportunities for the development and prosperity of the minorities in the state. The government had provided reservation of seats for Muslims in recruitment of jobs and education so that the community could be brought on the path of development. I am happy to see the success made by the Muslims in different fields in the recent years,” he added.
He urged all to fight collectively against poverty, illiteracy and disintegration of people in the state.
Project Director of Minority & OBCs Economic Development Society (MOBEDS) highlighted the different schemes implemented in the state for the development of the minorities.
An Annual Report for the year 2013-14 of the Manipur State Minorities Commission was also released by the CM on the occasion.
The function was attended by members of the different minority communities of the State. Few other civil society organizations too observed the day.