CM lashes at ethno exclusive party
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 28, 2014:
A political party which is exclusive to a single ethnic community is a serious threat in any pluralistic society and people need to be wary of such parties, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi while addressing a flag hoisting function of Congress candidate in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency Thangso Baite at Hmar Veng, Churachandpur.
Political parties set up in the interest of a single community is a real threat in places like India and Manipur where different communities live together.
Reacting to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's allegation that the Manipur Chief Minister was scheming to subjugate minority communities using divide and rule policy, Ibobi asserted that the most appropriate answer for such a wild allegation would be defeating the candidate of the particular party which is exclusively for a single community.
It would not be right to allow such parties take root on the soil of Manipur.
To uproot such communal parties, all their candidates should be vanquished.
For Congress party, there is no difference of caste, creed, religion or community.
It is the people's confidence in Congress which guarantees a stable Government in the State, Ibobi stated.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam asserted that some political parties have been making statements which can polarise and create conflict between different communities in the name of election campaign.
Reacting to Nagaland Chief Minister's assertion that Chief Minister O Ibobi is anti-Naga, Gaikhangam asserted that such irresponsible statement of Neiphiu Rio only exposed that he has no leadership acumen.
It would not be right to challenge the public.
Neiphiu Rio's statement would bring nothing positive except straining the relationship between the two neighbouring States.
Stating that Governments are formed under the Constitution of India, the Deputy Chief Minister advised against pitching one community against another in the name of election campaign.
On account of the people's unstinted support, there is a stable Government in Manipur and the hill districts have seen remarkable development.
When Rs five crore is invested in the valley, Rs 10 crore is invested in hills.
This investment ratio is not based on population but on people's needs, Gaikhangam stated.
Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing sought attention of all MPs to raise the issue of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur so that the Act can be repealed from all over Manipur.
Thangso Baite appealed to the mass to support Congress so that he can fulfil what he wishes to do for the people but could not be executed during his previous term.
Many other Ministers, MLAs and party leaders too spoke at the function.