Inner Line Permit, blockades missing in Congress manifesto
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19, 2012: While strongly condemning armed outfits continuosly targeting Congress leaders and party workers in the run-up to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh wondered why only the Indian National Congress is being singled out and various prohibitions imposed on it.

Addressing a gathering of Congress leaders and workers while releasing the election manifesto of the party today, the Chief Minister said targeting only the Congress party at the time of election is not justifiable.

He, nevertheless, expressed confidence that threat and intimidation by the UG groups would have insignificant impact on the fate of the Congress party for such an extreme measure could not change mindset of the public.

The Chief Minister also reposed faith on the election Commission of India to conduct the election in a free and fair manner.

When some news-persons pointed out that the Congress party manifesto finds no mention on bandh/blockade or inner line permit system, Ibobi said both the State and Central Government consider frequent bandhs and blockades in Manipur as crucial issues and accord top priority in addressing such issues.

10th Manipur assembly election 2012 Congress manifesto

Conceding that there had been adverse impact on the economy of Manipur due to bandhs and blockades along the National Highways, he said the State Government would not only initiate necessary action to dilute impact of such disruptive acts but would also work for ensuring that the lifelines of Manipur are not targeted in the future.

With regard to the inner line permit system in Manipur, he explained that it was not mentioned in the election manifesto due to apprehension that it would amount to contempt of court, where a case is currently pending.

Constitutional safe guards for the territorial integrity of Manipur and effective enforcement of the Lok Ayukta Bill in the State are some of the highlights of the Indian National Congress' election manifesto for the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, released today at the BT Road head office of the party.

The manifesto was jointly released by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, MPCC president Gaikhangam and Congress Working Committee member Luizinho Faleiro, who is also the AICC who is also the AICC general secretary in-charge of Manipur, at the Congress Bhavan conference hall.

The three Congress MPs from Manipur and central observers of the party were also present at the occasion.

The Congress manifesto, which also listed various 'development schemes' implemented in the State pledged to accord top priority on 19 issues.

Some of the issues include urging the Centre for constitutional safeguards of the State's territorial integrity; improving the law and order situation along with removal of AFSPA from the remaining parts of Manipur; egalitarian development of both the hills and plains of the State through emphasis on road connectivity; development of Tongjei Maril (Old Cachar road); regular supply of power, drinking water; focus on improving irrigation infrastructure; formulate new sports policy; preserve and promote art and culture; creating employment opportunities with emphasis on development of tourism sector; combat HIV/AIDS; welfare programmes for the minorities; educational reforms; negotiated settlement with armed groups on the line of suspension of operation; new dairy-related schemes; enhancing loan and credit facilities; and ensuring Manipur gets its due benefit of the Look East Policy and Vision 2020. Meanwhile, flag hosting ceremony of INC candidate in Thangmeiband assembly constituency Jyotin Waikhom was held at his Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai residence this morning.

The event was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, party leaders and supporters of the candidate.