Dictatorship will not last long: Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 12 2023:
Asserting that dictatorial regimes would not last long in Manipur, CLP leader and former Chief Minister - Okram Ibobi has categorically stated that Congress party would not be cowed down by threats and intimidations.
Taking strong exception to the firing of several rounds of shot at the Wangkhei Konsam Leikai residence of MPCC vice-president and spokesman Hareshwar Goswami at around 11 pm yesterday, Ibobi said that the Congress party would never surrender to threats rather such threats would embolden the party.
Saying that the Congress party believes in democracy and the Constitution of India, Ibobi said that Hareshwar Goswami, in the capacity of Congress spokesman, took part in panel discussion programmes of TV channels on many key issues of the State.
"The Congress party strongly condemns the acts of hurling molotov cocktail starting fire in front of the Congress Bhavan gate, opening several rounds of fire at the residence of Hareshwar Goswami and attempts to arrest Youth Congress president Popilal on false charges", Ibobi said.
He then exuded confidence that the Government would take up timely action in connection with all these incidents.
Saying that a dictatorial regime was unleashed in the State since the BJP formed Government, the former Chief Minister alleged that the incumbent Government is determined to abolish democracy.
The people of Manipur have been tolerating the autocratic rule for they are not interested in making befitting reactions.
But the dictatorial rule cannot go on for long, he said.
He then asked if the present mode of governance is aimed at frightening the masses.
Even if the people are not reacting openly, many of them would be certainly condemning the Government's attitude and excesses in their minds, Ibobi said.
Given the Congress party's immense contributions in the country's freedom struggle, the disposition to rule the people by way of threats and intimidation is a foolish idea, he remarked.
The fates of democracy and the Constitution are in serious jeopardy if the Government of India is determined to suppress all voices of dissension, he continued.
Pointing out that the Chief Minister is also in charge of the Home Department, Ibobi asked if there is no law and order in Manipur or democracy could not be saved in the State.
If BJP believes in democracy, the Government should investigate thoroughly all the cases of threatening the Congress party, he said.
Democracy can be saved if only all the culprits are booked and punished according to law, he asserted.
It is the people's right to appreciate the Government's good deeds and criticise the misdeeds, the CLP leader asserted.
On the other hand, a large number of womenfolk staged a protest demonstration at Wangkhei Meihoubam Lampak today condemning gun culture and opening fire at Hareshwar Goswami's residence.