Imphal, February 28: According a warm welcome to all the newly elected Congress MLAs during a function at the conference hall of Congress Bhawan here today, Union Minister and member of Congress Working Committee Oscar Fernandes appealed to all the newly elected representatives to work in unity with a clear vision of working for the interest of the people.

Congratulating all the newly elected MLAs as well as Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing and other AICC officials who were present at the occasion, Fernandes said the results of the three-phased election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly has clearly shown that the people of Manipur have given their mandate to the Congress party to ensure a stable Government as well as to take up developmental works.

The Congress MLAs should try to translate the aspirations of the people into action, he said, while extending gratitude to all the AICC officials and office bearers of MPCC for their contribution in the success of the Congress party in the election.

The members present at the meeting also observed a two minute silence to pay respect to all the polling officials, security personnel and party workers who died in the line of duty.

Out of 60 nominees initially announced, Congress party fielded 59 candidates to contest in the election after one of its candidates was forced to resign under threat.

The Congress won 30 seats.

MPCC president Gaikhangam, who also addressed the function, said that despite threats from some organisations both from the hills and the valley districts, people came out to cast their votes in favour of Congress party.

Gaikhangam, who retained his Nungba AC seat further said that the faith reposed on the Congress party should not be wasted and added that it should be the responsibility of all the elected MLAs of the party to honour the trust of the people.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh regretted defeat of some of the party nominees by narrow margins.

The response of the people to the election despite threats and intimidations have shown that people like peace and development in Manipur, Ibobi said, while appealing to the newly elected Congress MLAs to work for peace in unity and for the welfare of the people.