Cong rings out 'unite call'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2020:
To save Manipur's integrity and interests, people should work together and stand as one against all adversaries, said Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, president Moirangthem Okendra observing the 129th Patriots' Day at Congress Bhavan today.
Stating that the State is being besieged by many key issues which may turn one community against the other amid the coronavirus pandemic, he advised that the Government should act according to the aspirations of the people.
The Framework Agreement between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, the border pillar and border issues with neighbours and the planned delimitation based on a 'controversial' census (of 2001), all these may disturb peace.
These issues have the potential to turn one community against the other.
The Government must not act simply to gain political mileage but hear the plight and interests of the people and act accordingly to address the issues, said Okendra accusing the Government of being deaf to the pleas of the people.
Holding the Government responsible for the onset of community transmission and the surge in the number of COVID-19 positive cases among people with no travel history, Okendra hinted that the State Government has "failed" in managing the COVID issue.
Accusing the Government of taking up only immediate and short term measures to face the pandemic, Okendra emphasised that the Government seems to take lockdown as the only and ultimate way to face the pandemic.
The State was once a green zone but now it has turned to "double red" with 12 deaths, he asserted.
Hinting that the Government should have long term effective plans to curb the pandemic, Okendra stressed that the months long lockdown has affected all especially the most vulnerable ones.
Expectant mothers are dying due to lack of emergency medical attention and many non-COVID patients are facing immense hardships, he added.
Congress Legislative Party leader Okram Ibobi, CWC member Gaikhangam and other members of the party took part in the observance.
Floral tributes were paid to the photos of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and Paona Brajabashi to recall the supreme sacrifices they made on August 13, 1891 .
The observance remembered and paid respect to all the brave souls who fought against the British.