'Untenable demands hindrance to solution'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 19 2023:
"There is no place for violence in a democratic country like India.
If there is a problem, there must be a solution and it is not right to let all sections of people suffer because of some impossible demands", asserted former three-times Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.
He was speaking at the 106th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held at Congress Bhavan here today.
During the birth anniversary function which was observed as Quami Ekta Diwas, the gathering led by O Ibobi who is also the CLP leader and MPCC president K Meghachandra paid floral tributes to the photograph of Indira Gandhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Ibobi said, "If there are differences or problems among us, we must sit together and explore a solution" .
It is not right to let all the people suffer because of some impossible aspirations or demands, he asserted.
The Congress party does not believe in violence.
In order to bring a solution to the protracted crisis which erupted on May 3, the two sides must sit together and talk, he said.
The violence is now in its seventh month.
As a result, all the people are suffering extremely; now people long for peace, Ibobi said.
The State Government must concentrate on exploring a solution if it is capable enough.
If not, the State Government must work sincerely to resolve the issue at the level of the Central Government, Ibobi said.
But the State Government must stop acting as a mute spectator to the protracted crisis, he added.
Ibobi said that Indira Gandhi was not just the first woman Prime Minister of India but also an eminent leader who stood firmly against all challenges to the integrity of the country.
Many organisations with some of them resorting to violence means posed serious challenges to the integrity of India but Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made it very clear that any threat to the integrity of India would not be tolerated, Ibobi said.
True to her words, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made all attempts to neutralise all those anti- National organisations.
A pro-Khalistan group took refuge inside the Golden Temple and turned the temple complex into a form after stocking huge quantities of arms and ammunition.
As the pro-Khalistan militants who were camping inside the Golden Temple threatened the integrity of India, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military operation against the militants, Ibobi recalled.
Aggrieved by the military operation against the Khalistan militants, one bodyguard assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as she came out to go to office from her private residence, he said.
Again it was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who ordered the Indian Air Force to bomb Mizo National Front positions which was waging war against India.
Commemorating her unwavering spirit to protect the integrity of India, the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi is observed as Quami Ekta Diwas every year, he continued.
Responding to queries raised by reporters, the former Chief Minister pointed out that the State's economy has now fallen into a very bad shape.
If there is no peace, it is only natural for the State's economy to suffer.
Even the GST collection has declined by 19 per cent, he said.
Deputy CLP leader K Ranjit, CWC member Gaikhangam, MLAs, ex-MPs, ex-Ministers, ex-MLAs and office bearers of different MPCC cells were also present at the function.
Comment
