Seva Dal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 29 2019:
The 96th foundation day of Congress Seva Dal was observed at Congress Bhawan here today.
Speaking on the sideline of the event, ex-Chief Minister and CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh said that when the All India Congress Committee (AICC) asked the Congress party of the respective States to give the names of their freedom fighters and martyrs, MPCC gave the name of Bir Tikendrajit.
MPCC also planned to unveil a statue of Bir Tikendrajit at Congress Bhawan today but it was decided that the function should be held with more grandeur at a later date and by inviting the last remaining relatives or family members of the freedom fighter, he added.
He then narrated that it was during the time of the Congress Governments at both the Centre and the State that the State's airport was upgraded to the level of an international airport by acquiring around 500 acres of land.
Back then, the State Cabinet took a decision and sent an appeal to the Civil Aviation Ministry to rename Imphal Airport as Bir Tikendrajit International airport.
The matter was kept on hold for a long time and it was only at the time of the Assembly election that the change of name was approved.
However, the then Congress Government of the State was told to table the matter in the State Assembly session and adopt an unanimous decision.
He then said that the present State Government brought up the matter during the Assembly session and the decision of the House was sent to the Centre.
However, there seems to be no definitive answer from the Centre as of now, he added.
MPCC president M Okendro unfurled the party flag as a part of the observation today.