Chief Minister cocks a snook at threats and intimidations, trumps people's determination
Triumph of the people's will, says Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 07 2012: Thanking the people on the overwhelming victory of the Congress party in the election to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said the triumph is a mandate of the people's determination to defy diktats of forces inimical to the society.

Reflecting on the fact that the Congress party contested the Assembly election under serious threat and attacks by armed outfits and anti-national elements, Ibobi said victory of the Congress party was possible only due to the determination of the common people to stand up for their rights.

Reiterating his call to all the armed organisations for solving the vexed insurgency problem in a peaceful manner, he affirmed that the Congress party solicits negotiated settlement to all outstanding problems.

The Chief Minister also maintained that violence has no room in a democracy or would such a method solve any problem.

He also exhorted Congress legislators to diligently serve the common public and work for ensuring that the people never feel alienated with their respective representatives.

The 42 elected Congress MLAs at Congress Bhawan with the AICC observers

Addressing Congress legislators elected to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly at a reception programme hosted by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at the conference hall of Congress Bhavan today, Ibobi reminded party MLAs that the trust reposed on them and task entrusted by the electors should never be betrayed under any circumstances.

He told the MLAs that mandate of the people should be regarded as sacred and precious which can be repaid in a fitting manner through sincere and dedicated service to the public.

The Congress, which contested in all the 60 Assembly segments gained absolute majority on its own with 42 party nominees emerging triumphant.

Asserting that the overwhelming victory is a testimony of all the communities settled in Manipur having faith upon the Congress party to bring peace and development in the State, he also opined that the verdict is an indication of unity amongst various communities of Manipur.

Speaking at the occasion, Congress working Committee's Permanent Member and party's Manipur in-charge Luzinho Falero said the landslide victory for the party is a verdict on the cumulative achievement of serving the people of Manipur.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam, in his address, construed that the people's mandate reaffirms confidence of the masses that only the Congress will bring peace and prosperity in Manipur.

In the past two five-year terms the Congress had been able to provide a stable Government and work towards development, said the State Congress chief who also urged the Congress legislators to strive for more development of Manipur.

Later in the evening a feast was organised at Congress Bhavan which also served as an occasion for the elected party legislators to familiarise among themselves.

It is said that the dinner was preceded by an informal discussion among the Congress MLAs and a team of central observers on the issue of electing leader of the Congress Legislature Party.

The party's Manipur in-charge Luzinho Faleiro reportedly urged the State legislators to honour whatever decision the party's central leadership take on the issue of CLP leader.

Sources confided that the CLP issue might be finalised in a day or two by the Congress legislators after which the decision would be forwarded to the central leaders for their consent.

The second term of the SPF Government will expire on March 15 .