Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 31:
As held in other parts of the country, the Congress led SPF Govt too observed Sankalp Diwas (National Re-dedication Day) in remembrance of former PM Indira Gandhi who was assassinated on this day by her own body guards in 1984.Speaking at the function, CM O Ibobi who attended the function as the chief guest said that no force in this world can compromise with the territorial integrity of the country as well as Manipur's.Recalling that Indira Gandhi had said that if she were to be killed, every ounce of her blood will be used to protect the country, the CM asked all to remember her spirit of sacrifice.
This statement was delivered at Gujarat just one day before she was killed, added the CM.
Exhorting the people to emulate the examples set by the late leader, Ibobi said that it was a great loss not only for the country but also for the world when a leader of the stature of Indira was assassinated.
Sankalp Diwas is all that more important in places like Manipur and JK which are wracked by insurgency movements, said the CM and added that there may be different opinions between the hill and plain people on certain issues and it would be in the fitness of things to discuss all these differences in a democratic manner.
The gun is not the answer to any issue, said the Chief Minister and added that the presence of so many organizations have added to the confusion of the people.
There may come a time when the ire of the people is directed against these organizations, he warned.
If the Centre agrees to totally lift AFSPA, then it is well and good, said the Chief Minister adding that even if this does not come about, there may be certain alterations in the Act that have led to the rampant abuse of human rights by the security personnel under this Act.
Health Minister L Nandakumar who attended as the president of the function said that as the territorial integrity of India is sacrosanct, so is the integrity of Manipur.
Indira stood by the example of self sacrifice and it will be in the fitness of things for the people to follow her examples, he exhorted.