Cong protest on border pillar continues
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, July 15 2018:
Thoubal District Congress Committee, under the aegis of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, organised a one day discussion on the Indo-Myanmar border pillar issue, at Thoubal Melaground community hall, followed by a sit in protest.
Ex-Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, ex-Deputy CM Gaikhangam, MP Thangso Bake, numerous Congress Legislature party leaders, former presidents, MPs, MLAs of MPCC as well as workers took part in the protest.
On the other hand, Congress workers from Heirok Kendra organised a rally from the office of Thoubal District Congress Committee upto Thoubal Melaground demanding a positive solution to the boundary pillar issue and the current impasse at Manipur University.
During the discussion, various speakers condemned the State Government on the Indo-Myanmar border pillar No 81 issue and the impasse at MU.
Speaking at the event, ex-CM O Ibobi said that during the time of the Congress Government, attempts were made for fencing the Indo-Myanmar border and some fencing works were also carried out at some specific points.
However, after a meeting with all political party representatives regarding some land dispute, the then Government urged the Central Government to stop the fencing work.
He said that it is quite unfortunate to see the present BJP led State Government coming up with many excuses trying to sideline the demands of the people regarding the truth behind the shifting of Border Pillar 81 by 3 kms towards Manipur side.
He also expressed desire for the Government to make necessary arrangements to include village chiefs, CSOs, representatives of all political parties and Myanmar authorities during the resurvey of the border area.
On the other hand, Ibobi conveyed that Manipur University was converted to a Central institute during the time of the Congress Government but after BJP came to power in both the State and the Centre, the emergence of various issues which can derail the lives and career of the students and the university, is rather unfortunate.
On the other hand, ex-Dy CM Gaikhangam said that the current Government is one where the people with power can do anything they like, with blatant disregard for the future generations.
He claimed that the people know about the steps taken up by the then Congress Government for safeguarding the territory of the State.
If the State is lost, then what use are its people,, he asked and added that if there is no land, there will be no place for any political party to rule.
The Government should try and defend the territory of the State.
The Government should also bear responsibility for the well being of the State, he added.