INC's 125th anniversary celebrated
Obstacles delay development : CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 28 2009: The 125th anniversary of Indian National Congress (INC) was celebrated with grandeur at Congress Bhavan here under the auspices of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC). MPCC president Gaikhangam inaugurated the observance function by hoisting the tri-colour flag of the INC while volunteers of Seva Dal sang the national anthem.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi lamented that one of the biggest problems in Manipur is the delay in various development programmes due to obstacles created by underground organisations as part of the law and order situation.

Repairing and asphalting of the National Highways�39, 53 and 150 get delayed due to obstacles created by underground organisations, the Chief Minister said adding that if there are no such problems, the hills and the valley will be equally developed and all people can live together with love and communal harmony.

MP Rishang Keishing lights candle while Chief Minister O Ibobi and MPCC president Gaikhangam watch at 125th anniversary of INC at Congress Bhavan

He said that the 125th anniversary of the party is going to be observed for one year.

Three themes on the history of Congress, development works taken up by the party and future vision of Congress will be minutely discussed during the one year long celebration and spread awareness among the people.

The Chief Minister further said that the role played by Congress during the struggle for freedom against the British must not be forgotten.

Congress is the only oldest and biggest national party in India, CM Ibobi said adding that the party is a truly secular party.

It is a matter of pride for all members of this party.

Congress leaders created the North Eastern states, though small, knowing the mindset of the people of the region.

A lot of developmental programmes are being taken up even today.

Whenever the MPs from the North Eastern region bring up any proposal for development in the region, the Centre has never said 'No', Chief Minister Ibobi said.

Addressing the solemned gathering, MPCC president Gaikhangam said that the Central leaders of the party have informed the state units to observe the birth anniversary for one year.

In Manipur also, seminars and workshps will be organised at district level and block level, Gaikhangam informed.

He further said that the history of Congress is the history of India, of democracy, secularism and freedom.

All challenges thrown at Congress must be faced for the future generations.

The party believes in "work more, talk less." Therefore, all the developmental works being taken up by Congress at national and state level need to be dessiminated among the people, or else people may believe the lies that others were uttering, Gaikhangam said.

Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing told the gathering that Congress is a party built up by many knowlegeable people.

The people have been able to fulfill their wishes due to various works done by secular Congress.

He said, there was no such comfortable standard of living in Manipur when the king ruled.

Congress is a party of pride.

People of Manipur will never be disappointed in joining Congress which is the best party, Rishang Keishing said.

Vice president of MPCC, MLA T Mangibabu, Assembly Speaker, Dr S Budhichandra, General Secretary, Bidyapati Senjam, etc.

spoke at the function.

The gathering stood two minutes in silence in honour of those departed Congress leaders.