Imphal, December 28 2010: Government initiative to extend the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reform Act, 1960 was a part of the protection of tribal lands, Chief Minister, O Ibobi said today, speaking at the 125th foundation day celebration of the Indian National Congress (INC) at Congress Bhavan here.

Ibobi said that the Congress is a party determined to protect the interests of tribals and minorities.

He also said that the party is in favour of extending the MLR Act 1960 in the hill areas of the state too.

He added this will enable protecting the lands of the tribal population.

He justified his statement by saying that if the Act is extended to the tribal lands the tribal people can be owners of personal land holdings and this will enable the tribals to protect their land from being taken away by the major or other communities.

He said owning of land is the right of every citizen of the country.

Reacting to the recent attack launched by MPP leaders in the MMP's foundation day on December 26, Ibobi Singh urged MPP to talk less and try to act more.

He said that there were many political parities, both in the regional and the national level, which cannot see India as a whole.

Congress is not such a party.

He described the Congress party as a big family which looks upon its members without classifications of community, caste and creed.

The CM claimed this is the reason why the Congress party is ruling at the Centre as well as in many other states for continuous periods since the country got its independence.

The Chief Minister said that the ruling Congress led government has translated most of its promises made before the last elections.

As an example he referred to the successful elections to the ADCs in the hill districts.

MPCC president Gaikha-ngam who also spoke on the occasion said that the ruling congress under the leadership of Chief Minister, O Ibobi has been able to take up various developmental programmes to bring a balanced development in both the hills and the valley.

He claimed that the Congress has proved that it alone can provide a stable government.

Recalling the landmark victory in the ADC elections, Gaikhangam said that in the forthcoming elections to the Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats too the Congress will get the absolute majorty.

He said that the result of the elections to the Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats will give a great impact in the general election to the state Assembly to be held in the early part of 2012 .

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, Y Erabot, Agriculture Minister N Loken, PDA chairman L Loken, government chief whip, T Mangibabu and other MLAs of the party and party workers also attended the foundation day celebration.

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