Rahul seeks to win mind, says Manipur is top priority of Cong
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 21 2014 : Affirming that the Congress party considers Manipur to be a vital organ of the Indian democracy and accords top priority in the development of the border State, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said peace will soon return in Manipur.

Addressing an election rally at Wangjing Kodompokpi ground on March 19, Rahul Gandhi applauding achievement of the State's sportspersons and artistes, observed that further development of culture will be one of the important factors to spark all round development in the State.

Pointing to lifting of disturbed area status (AFSPA) from seven Assembly segments and total of about 450 UGs giving up violence as signs of Manipur returning to normalcy, he said surface connectivity is mandatory for Manipur to achieve socio-economic goal.

Rahul Gandhi reaches out to the people at Wangjing Kodompokpi ground on March 19

In addition to recent upgrading of Tulihal airport to an international airport and establishing air connectivity with the South East Asian countries, the Centre is committed to improving road connectivity with Myanmar for adequately tapping human and natural resources to make India's Look East Policy a fruitful venture with the ASEAN region, explained Rahul.

Noting existing as well as upgrading various higher educational institutions as signs to transform Manipur into an educational hub in the coming years, he also exuded confidence that setting up of numerous national level sports institutions/academies will enable the State to produce more champions like boxing star MC Mary Kom.

Affirming that the Congress party will never compromise in the health care sector and pledging further development in the agricultural sector to enable Manipur become economically self-reliant, the Congress leader also regretted recent attacks on people of the North East region in Delhi and other Indian cities.

Rahul Gandhi's speech in English was translated to Manipuri by Lok Sabha MP Dr Th Meinya.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibohi Singh highlighting implementation of various welfare projects by the UPA 1 and II and its positive impact in Manipur, accused the NDA partners, particularly BJP of employing communal politics to woo the voters.

Referring to demolition of Babri Masjid anil subsequent upheaval in the country to substantiate his allegation of BJP indulging in communal politics, he reminded all concerned that tension gripped Manipur when the BJP-led NDA Government declared ceasefire without territorial limit with the NSCN (IM) in 2001 .

Terming the unilateral declaration of ceasefire as an attempt to drive wedge between the ethnic communities settled in Manipur for centuries, Ibobi asserted that the State Government will not tolerate any policy/programme that threatens Manipur's emotional or territorial integrity.

He also conveyed that central party leaders are keen to ensure Thoubal district voters not only exercise their franchise rights but also contest Lok Sabha elections.

Among others the election rally was also attended by AICC general secretary Luzinho Faleiro, MPCC president Gaikhangam, Rajya Sabha MP Md Abdul Salam, Lok Sabha MP Thangso Baite, Congress Ministers and MLAs.

Rahul Gandhi arrived at the rally venue in a chopper from Tulihal airport.