Ibobi decries bomb attack; Raises posers against demand to repeal AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2011:
Denouncing the bomb blast near the main gate of Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival, Chief Minister O Ibobi has questioned how the State Government can repeal AFSPA from Manipur under the prevailing condition.
After inaugurating a newly constructed indoor stadium of the Imphal Western Club at Uripok Khumanthem Leikai today, the Chief Minister addressed a public meeting there on the flagship programmes of UPA and SPF Governments.
Triggering bomb blast and inflicting injuries on innocent people near the entrance of Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival at a time when the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are set to arrive here smacks of a sinister design.
"When the acts of hurling bombs and firing shots in civilian areas go on unabated in connection with monetary demands, how can the State Government ask the Centre to repeal AFSPA from Manipur ?" Ibobi asked.
It was against the will of the Centre that AFSPA was repealed from seven Assembly segments of Imphal, he added.
It would be very difficult for the State Government if the Centre decides to re-impose AFSPA in the seven Assembly segments too in view of the unabated incidents of bomb and firing attacks in civilian areas, Ibobi stated.
Categorically stating that internecine killings would not bring anything positive, Ibobi underscored the need to embrace and promote culture of harmonious co-existence by all communities of the State if Manipur must achieve peace and development.
The territory of Manipur collectively inhabited by the Manipuri nation cannot be divided to pave way for exclusive domain of any particular community.
Out of the seven Assembly segments of Imphal city, Congress candidates were successful in six Assembly Constituencies in the last Assembly elections and this gave a big impetus in bringing development and changes during the last five years, Ibobi stated.
It is a matter of pride for the Government that an indoor stadium at Uripok within the limits of Imphal city.
IFC Minister and SPF Spokesperson N Biren condemned the bomb blast near the gate of tourism festival as an act of terrorism.
All the people need to unite together to fight against such anti-people activities.
Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing appealed to the people not to boycott the Prime Minister's visit but to welcome them with open arms.
MPCC president Gaikhangam said that the indoor stadium would boost sports movement in Imphal city.