Imphal, December 12: Reaffirming party's commitment and support to the cause of the Manipuri people, the 14th triennial Manipur State conference of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has kicked started from today at Khuman Lampak Youth Centre here.

Party's Politburo member and West Bengal's Left Front chairperson Biman Basu inaugurated the two-day long conference as chief guest.

Ex-MP and party's Central Committee member Nurul Huda was also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Basu said his party would always support the cause of the Manipuri people who are demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

It a strong commitment of the CPI (M) that the Act should be moved not only from Manipur, but also from entire country, he said, adding that his party would continue to exert pressure on the Centre for doing away with the draconian Act.

Even though there is no representative of the party in the, State Assembly as well as in the Parliament, CPI (M) never failed to take up the issue of Manipuri people in the Parliament as and when it arises.

In the Manorama killing case too, CPI (M) submitted a detailed report of the matter to the Prime Minister after Central leaders of the party visited and studied the situation here, Basu said.

Basir told the gathering that he had come to part in the conference and discuss various probelms afflicting the State.

The complaints of the people with regard to lack of development, adequate infrastructures and job opportunities among the educated youths of the State would be discussed in threadbare during the conference, he added.

The Left Front chairperson further observed that the existing Urban-Rural divide in terms of development and available opportunities would have serious impact in future.

If the State Government has real concerned for development of its people equally, existing road communication facilities should be improved,- he said, adding giving lip service for rail connectivity and increasing the number of flights would not serve the purpose.

Touching on the development and financial condition of the country, Basu contended that India's economy has deteriorated over the past few years.

Agricultural and industrial activities too has been declining, Basu maintained.

It is high time for the people to join hands together and put an end to all these problems, he exhorted.

While giving the welcome address, Reception Committee chairman Dr Y Mohendra said many resolutions for development of the State and its people would be adopted after a series of discussion on the problems confronting the State during the conference which would last for two days.

Side by side, CPI (M) would continue to put more pressure on the Governments both at the Centre and the State for lifting the ban on Govt.

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