Ex-CM Ibobi denounces poll-related violence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, December 07 2021: Expressing deep anguish over intermittent election related violence in Heirok assembly constituency of Thoubal district since the past few months, former chief minister and CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh has said that violence should have no place in a democratic country.

Speaking at the 27th death anniversary of former minister Moirangthem Ibotombi, Ibobi termed as an act of cowardice for anybody to forced people change their stand through use of violence and strongly called upon people of the constituency to maintain peace and live without fear from today.

According to the former CM, election related violence seems to happen more in Heirok than in other constituencies of the state and the present trend of violence in the constituency had never occurred in the past.

Such violence never occurred during the previous Congress government as the party treated every individual equally and had no ill feeling against anyone.

However, present government takes punitive action whenever someone utters a word or acts against the government and even government employees are unable to work peacefully, Ibobi said, adding that such acts were not expected from a democratically elected government.

It is very unfortunate that the state is having a timid government which works selfishly, O Ibobi Singh said and appealed to people of the constituency to award befitting punishment to those responsible for violence.

The death anniversary event organised by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Charitable Trust (MIMCT) under the theme 'Live and Let's Live' was also attended by late Ibotombi's wife Moirangthem Ibemhal, AICC's CWC member Gaikhangam, MPCC president N Loken, AICC Manipur in-charge and former Union minister Bhakta Charandas and other Congress leaders.

Former minister I Hemochandra, Thoubal District Congress Committee (TDCC) president Lukhoi and Heirok Block Congress Committee (HBCC) functionaries were also present at the event.

Pension amount to 2223 beneficiaries of Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Pension Scheme were also distributed at the event held at Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Complex which began with ritual ceremony of all religions.

In his speech at the event, MIMCT president and former minister Moirangthem Okendro said that people of Heirok have suffered much due to excessive violence committed by some unknown people ahead of the election.

He also said that courage and extraordinary insight of Heirok people have been lost during the BJP led government in the state.

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