Imphal/IBNS: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the fifth edition of the state-level HUN Thadou Cultural Festival, which will be held for two days at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district.

CM Biren Singh unveiled a souvenir related to the event, which is centered around the idea of promoting a society free of drug abuse, reported EastMojo.

During his address, CM Biren Singh emphasized the government's efforts over the past six years to prioritize the preservation of cultural identities and the promotion of a "drug-free society." 

He also highlighted that the current administration has constructed traditional huts at the Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou for all 35 communities, which he sees as a gesture of recognition and respect for the diverse communities coexisting in the state.

CM Biren Singh stressed the importance of unity in diversity, citing it as the beauty of both Manipur and India, where different communities coexist in the same region. 

He also addressed the pressing issue of drug abuse, revealing that there are over a hundred thousand drug abusers in the state. 

He pledged to persist in the fight against illegal drugs and poppy cultivation to achieve complete eradication.

In his capacity as the state's Chief Minister, Singh urged an end to illicit drug trade, poppy cultivation, and deforestation. 

He further shared details on the government's initiatives such as the CMHT and PMJAY schemes, and the newly launched Manipur One Family One Livelihood Scheme, which offers loans of up to Rs 10 lakh with a 30% grant to families with no income source. 

The government has allocated Rs 100 crore in the budget for this scheme.

Additionally, Singh emphasized the importance of screening illegal immigrants to prevent them from encroaching on the resources of the indigenous communities in the state.

In addition, CM Biren Singh revealed that a cabinet sub-committee had been formed, headed by Minister Letpao Haokip, with Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai and Education Minister Th Basanta Singh as members. 

The sub-committee's objective is to identify illegal immigrants who have escaped the unrest in Myanmar and to set up temporary shelters for their return.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the Thadou community, which is one of the most significant communities in Manipur and has been residing in the state for centuries.

The Chief Minister also commended the All Manipur Christian Association for their commitment to combat drug abuse and poppy cultivation in the state. 

During his speech, he urged the citizens of Kangpokpi to unite and take a pledge against illicit drugs and poppy cultivation. He promised that positive changes will soon be seen in the fight against drugs.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of forest conservation, preventing illegal immigration, and ending poppy cultivation while urging all communities in the state to coexist harmoniously.

He also applauded the festival organizers for selecting the theme of a "drug-free society."

Minister Nemcha Kipgen emphasized that the Hun Festival is one of the most significant celebrations of the Thadou community. 

The festival is held at the start of the year, and it is a time for the community to offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that an essential aspect of the festival is the tradition of young children seeking blessings from their grandparents through prayer.

The minister emphasized that the theme of the festival is a ‘drug-free society,’ and to achieve this goal, it is crucial to begin with children. 

She expressed her hope that the festival would play a significant role in creating a drug-free society in the state and fostering peace and unity among its communities.

Upon their arrival, the chief minister and other dignitaries received a warm traditional welcome from the people of Kangpokpi. The opening session of the festival was marked by traditional songs and dances.