The chief minister said that 2020 has been a difficult year, especially due to the coronavirus pandemic and prayed that the experience and trauma in the last one year will make all better prepared for the future. 

"The year 2020 has been a difficult year. The COVID-19 pandemic made wakeup call to the reality of how unprepared nations across the world are. The pandemic tested the limits of human civilization. Economies suffered. We are yet to fully realise the impact of the damage done. Precious lives were lost to the virus. The first wave could be slowing down. Yet as experience in other population has shown, there could be a second wave. There is renewed fear of a new strain, more virulent and more easily transmissible. Yet, we have now survived as a population and I am hopeful that our experience and trauma in the last one year will make us better prepared for the future," Biren said.

CM Biren, in his message to the people, said that the state has achieved infrastructure development as well as in providing welfare measures despite the pandemic. He expressed his hope for a greater cooperation among the stakeholders to deliver the promises of the government. 

"Despite the pandemic, life continued. We achieved much in infrastructure development as well as in providing welfare measures. We remembered the valour of our brave soldiers in suitable ways. We saluted our COVID warriors. There has been showing of love as well as criticism of our activities. We have welcomed both. We have made improvements whenever the criticism rightfully demanded. I am hopeful there will be greater cooperation amongst the stakeholders because there is so much at stake and so many targets to meet. With continuing support, allies and opponents all, I do hope we will achieve in our mandate to deliver upon our promises," the CM said. 

CM Biren prayed that God would grant the wisdom and the strength to meet every challenge successfully and wished the people of Manipur a very happy and prosperous New Year 2021.