Mandate proof of defying muscle power: Ibobi
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 05 2024:
Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said that the mandate of the people given in the 18th Lok Sabha election not only proved that violence has no place in democracy but also taught the right lesson on the ineffectiveness of using muscle power in the election.
Addressing a gathering during felicitation of INC's winning candidates Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and Alfred K Arthur at Congress Bhawan, here, on Wednesday, Ibobi said that experts often remarked that violence and muscle power has no place jn democracy and this has been proven for the very first time in Manipur with the results of the 18 Lok Sabha election for both the Inner and Outer Manipur parliamentary constituencies.
According to the former chief minister, INDIA bloc alliance partners had prior to the 18th Lok Sabha election decided unanimously to fight the polls without money to script a new chapter in Manipur.
Accordingly, INDIA bloc parties appealed to electors to accept money distributed by wealthy candidates in the election but not to give them vote, he disclosed, adding that the success of INC candidates in both the parliamentary constituencies of Manipur was a triumph of democracy.
Regarding the over one year long violence in Manipur, the CLP leader strongly called for resolving the crisis to bring peace and normalcy.
Security forces should ensure maximum protection to minority communities in their original settlement when any misunderstanding crops up whether in Moreh, Churachandpur or in Imphal.
At the beginning of the present violence, security forces evacuated Meeteis from Kuki-dominated areas like Moreh, Churachandpur and others and Kukis from Imphal instead of ensuring their safety in their place of residency, Ibobi opined, while adding the present violence would not have protracted had the security forces given full protection to minorities in their original place of settlement.
Regarding possession of illegal arms in both the valley and hills, he said that the government of India could easily stop the violence if they wish and launch effective military operation.
However, there seems to be a hidden agenda as there is strong suspicion about the government of India giving free hand to armed men in both the valley and hills to either achieve their sinister objective or to relish bloodshed in the state, he maintained.
MPCC president K Meghachandra, in his speech at the event, thanked people of the state for electing INC candidates in both the Inner and Outer Manipur parliamentary constituencies.
He said that both the elected MPs will start working towards bringing peace and normalcy in the state.
CWC member Gaikhan-gam also attended the event and said that success of two INC candidates in the 18th Lok Sabha election not only proved triumph of truth but also showed the people's anger towards the present regime and the eagerness for bringing a change in the state.
He expressed hope that the two elected MPs will shoulder their responsibilities in redeveloping Manipur and bringing back peace and harmony among different communities.
The event was also attended by Congress MLAs, leaders of INDIA bloc including CPI leader Dr M Nara and others.
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