Cong set to launch State-wide stir
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 11 2018:
Decrying that the State Government has failed to deal with any issue such as the Manipur University's impasse, Indo-Myanmar Border Pillar issue, Framework Agreement etc, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) leaders, including ex-CM O Ibobi Singh and ex-Deputy Chief Minister G Gaikhangam have questioned the nature of changes brought about by the Government in the State.
The party has also declared that agitation against the alleged shifting of Indo-Myanmar BP number 81 into the territory of India (Manipur) at Kwatha Khunou will be launched across the State from tomorrow.
Delivering a presidential speech at the inaugural function of a Multipurpose Community Hall & Ereima Market Complex, Sagolmang, Imphal East today, Gaikhangam who is also the MLA of Nungba A/C lambasted that the incumbent State Government has gone crazy with its "Go to Hills" and "Go to Village" missions instead of finding ways to resolve the pressing issues prevailing in the State.
He alleged that the Government is inattentive to the Manipur University impasse even though students of the university have not been able to attend classes for more than 40 days due to the stand-off between the VC and the students along with faculties and staff.
Pointing out that the academic career of thousands of students is more important than the VC, Gaikhangam asked why the State Government is very reluctant to ask the Central Government to take up initiative to save the students' career.
He went on to decry that the Government is trying to deal with the issue through violent means while informing that the students were demanding a good academic atmosphere instead of political atmosphere in the university.
Reiterating that the Government has gone crazy with publicity stunts like "Go to Hills" and "Go to Village", he sarcastically said that the Government should instead go to Delhi and bring money for the welfare of the public adding that there is no need of going to hills or going to village if the requirements of hills and villages are given or sanctioned in appropriate manner.
He maintained that the developmental changes seen so far during the tenures of MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar in Khundrakpam A/C proved that the MLA is action-oriented and a man of words.
Speaking as the chief guest, Okram Ibobi declared that the Congress party will launch agitation against the alleged shifting of border pillar inside the territory of Manipur in district-wise manner from tomorrow onward.
He criticized the incumbent Government for projecting the Congress Government as a Government that did not do anything during its ! 5 years of rule in the State.
The Congress Government took up so many developmental works, and projects during its tenure and it would be hard to finish the inauguration in a year, he said and mentioned upgradation of Naorem Birahari College into an aided college, installation of 33/11 KV power sub-stations, opening of many primary schools, sanctioning of Rs 16 crore for the construction of Imphal-Saikul Highway etc.
He also said that the Congress party does not rely on cheap publicity but instead work with the aim of completing developmental works in time bound manner.
He stated that the incumbent Government's attempt to shift the Imphal East District Hospital on the pretext of land dispute was irrational and added that the Congress Government during its tenure had compensated deservingly and carried out eviction drive at many places including for expansion of highways along the airport road.
The function was also attended by Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh, ex-Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly and present MLA of Khundrakpam A/C, K Ranjit, MLA, Sugnu A/C, Dr Chaltonlien Amo, MLA Tipaimukh A/C, AK Mirabai, MLA, Patsoi A/C, Kh Joykisan Singh, MLA, Thangmeiband A/C and K Meghachandra Singh, MLA, Wangkhem A/C among others as the guests of honour.