Heirok Ibotombi fondly remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 07 2013 : The 19th death anniversary of former Minister Moirangthem Ibotombi, better known as Heirok Ibotombi, was observed by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust at his memorial complex located at Heirok in Thoubal district today.

Former Minister Ibotombi was assassinated by some unknown gunmen at his own residence on this day 19 years back.

Thousands of people gathered at the memorial complex to attend Ibotombi's death anniversary, which was observed under the theme "Unity, Peace and Development" .

Speaking on the occasion, CM Okram Ibobi appealed to all to shun violence and bloodshed for a peaceful and progressive Manipur.

He further said that there is no difference and discrimination between hills and plains.

All people in the State are like brothers and sisters.

They must stand for unity and integrity of the State.

Condemning the killing of innocent people in the State, Ibobi said that a person must be given a chance for reformation even if he or she commits mistakes.

The gun culture must be rooted out from the society.

Peace and development must be given a prominent place in the society.

He further maintained that the State cannot be reformed by eliminating prominent figures like Ibotombi from this soil.

The observance would spread the message of peace and harmony to the whole State, Ibobi averred.

Violence cannot be the solution to myriad issues of the State.

Any political party, organization or whatsoever which is anti-people would not last long in the future, the Chief Minister contended.

Ibotombi's son Education Minister M Okendro, said that the death anniversary is being observed every year just to spread the message unity, peace and development to the whole State.

He appealed to all to stop killing one another and promote communal harmony among people belonging to different tribes and communities of the State.

Since early morning, thousands of people from far and wide came to offer floral tribute to former Minister Ibotombi.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

A free medical camp for heart patients was also organized in connection with the death anniversary.

The observance was also attended by Speaker Th Lokeshwar, Agriculture Minister Md Nasir, Parliamentary Secretaries K Meghachandra and M Prithviraj, MLAs, former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam and officials of State Government.

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