Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 09 2009:
Congress MLA and Works Minister K Ranjit has asked the voters of Yaiskul whether or not they want the construction of Thumbuthong and improvement of other roads and bridges in the Assembly Constituency.
Addressing a public meeting held in connection with the upcoming by-election to Yaiskul Assembly Constituency at Moirangkhom Bokulmakhong today, Works Minister Ranjit said that reconstruction of the deplorable Thumbuthong was included in the work programme while former MLA of the Constituency Elangbam Kunjeshore was still alive and the Government has given top priority on reconstruction of the bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crores under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR).
So it is not a new inclusion in the work programme.
In case the Congress candidate wins the by-election, it means construction of the bridge and completion of other pending developmental works in the Assembly Constituency while if the Opposition wins, it means line cut.
So it is upto the people of Yaiskul to decide on which side they belong to, the Minister said.
The Minister also informed the gathering that apart from the State unit BJP president Dr Borbabu and MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang, no other leaders including MPP MLAs were present during the flag hoisting ceremony of Independent candidate Jaydev.
Public should be wary of all those who speak against the Congress party and the Government on the pretext of extending support to the Independent candidate when their parties could not contest in the by-election, the Minister cautioned.
The Minister further pointed out that it was during that time of Congress led Government that Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been lifted from seven Assembly segments.
However, in the same Assembly segments from where the Act has been lifted, there has been no let up to the incidents of bomb attacks at hospitals, bungalows of Governor and Chief Minister, abducting people on ransom demand, etc.
In such a situation, how can the Act withdrawn completely, the Minister questioned.
He went on to say that the agitation of the Apunba Lup and the three student bodies is justifiable.
That is why the Government has instituted a judicial inquiry into the Khwairamband Bazar incident to find out the truth and seven of the involved police commandos have been placed under the suspension.
The Government has also been continuing its efforts to hold talks to end the present deadlock.
Vice Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam, Education Minister L Jayantakumar and MPCC general secretary Vidyapati Senjam also addressed the meeting.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and MPCC president Gaikhangam, however, could not attend the meeting.