Ibobi, Gaikhangam flay ambush on Thaisii
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 13 2011:
While Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh left it to the wisdom of the people to judge the intention and group behind the ambush on Education Minister DD Thaisii yesterday, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president G Gaikhangam said possibility of the assassination bid intent on replacing Thaisii as the Congress nominee for the forthcoming general assembly cannot be ruled out at this juncture.
Speaking at a public function organised in connection with the Keishamthong Kendra Block Level special training cum flagship programme at Keishamthong community hall today, Gaikhangam speculated whether there are some individuals in the hill areas who aspire to enter politics by eliminating candidates having potential to win in the democratic exercise.
Strongly condemning the ambush on DD Thaisii near his native village last evening, the State Congress chief called upon all concerned to prove their commitment to work for the people's welfare by getting the people's mandate.
Recounting that he too had survived similar attacks on a few occasions, he suggested that individuals aspiring to contest the forthcoming polls as Congress nominees should be sincere and bold enough to approach relevant authorities for detailed discussions.
Gaikhangam further conveyed that the Congress party will always heartily welcome any individual wishing to work or join the organisation as Congress party believes in peace and reconciliation.
Exuding confidence that the Congress Government will return to power for another five-year term, he also disagreed with the concept that being wealthy is a pre-condition for entering politics/contesting elections.
Earlier, Chief Minister Ibobi said the Congress party is against the politics of personal vendetta and also outrightly rejected allegation by some BJP leaders that the Congress-led Government is hand in glove with anti-social elements.
Challenging the BJP to contest the forthcoming assembly elections on issue-based politics rather than relying on disparaging comments against individual politicians, he asked the BJP to retrospect on who triggered the June 2001 upheavals.
The then BJP Government signing the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM) without territorial limit sparked the violent agitation by the people of Manipur resulting in the loss of many precious lives, reminded the CM.
for the Congress party upholding the emotional and territorial integrity of Manipur is the top priority and under no circumstance would the interest of the masses be compromised to please any particular group, asserted O Ibobi.
In condemning the ambush on the Education Minister yesterday, he also fervently appealed all concerned to refrain from such acts in the future.
Expressing strong resentment over the bandh and blockade culture that had been imperilling the general public, the CM stated that Manipur cannot expect to attain overall progress if resorting to disruptive movement to air grievances remain the only option.
Citing an example he said if the demand for extending service period of Education Department employees, particularly the teacher community, is endorsed then demand for release of pending arrears crops up.