Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Friday said all communities in the state were living in harmony in the pre-British era according to written records and the British divided it into hill and valley on the pretext of better and convenient administration.

Speaking at the inauguration of an ethnological gallery and release of a short film on the Assembly at the Manipur Assembly Museum and Archives here, he said history can never be distorted and manipulated. “Some people are trying to deconstruct and manipulate history to gain the popularity of their identities. Building of such a museum won’t let them manipulate the historical facts,” the chief minister said.

“We need to introspect on the records which would help in nation building and regaining oneness among all communities,” he added.

Biren Singh said such a museum can help the people learn and gain knowledge about the history of administration in Manipur. “The museum would strengthen the unity and integrity of the state and help in diminishing the differences among communities,” he said.

The chief minister appreciated the Speaker and staff

of the Assembly for their sincere effort in building and maintaining a “priceless museum”.

Speaker Y. Khemchand, minister for public works department, commerce and industries Th. Biswajit, minister for health and family welfare L. Jayantakumar, public health engineering department minister L. Dikho, chairman of Hill Area Committee T.T. Haokip and Assembly staff were present.