Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh gives clarion call
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 07, 2012:
Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh has called upon the people of Manipur to remain vigil for thwarting sinister ploys of disruptive and divisive elements in the society.
Taking part at the Sadbhavana Diwas celebration, held today at Secretariat South Block to commemorate the birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, ibobi conveyed that upholding the spirit of national integrity will be one of the ways to thank Rajiv Gandhi for leading the nation towards allround development.
Even though the actual birthday of Rajiv Gandhi falls on August 20, Sadbhavana Diwas is being celebrated today throughout India, said the CM reminded that objective of celebrating the occasion is to renew pledge for national integrity by promoting peaceful co-existence among the people irrespective of differences in religion, caste or language.
Further stating that it was Rajiv Gandhi who brought about political stability through the Anti Defection Law in 1985, Ibobi also reminded that the then youngest Prime Minister of India had also initiated for ensuring voting right to 18-year old citizens from the earlier age limit of 21 years.
Acknowledging that India's vision of unity in diversity is facing enormous challenge due to presence of disruptive elements, he expressed hope that celebration of Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary would enable the citizens to realise the threat and give fresh impetus to effectively tackle anti-social elements.
As a part of the celebration, pledge was taken to strive for national unity.
A number of Ministers, MLA and top ranking officials also attended the solemn event.