Rajiv Gandhi's 20th death anniversary : Anti-terrorism day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 21 2011: As in other parts of the country, the 20th death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, was observed as Anti-Terrorism Day in the State today along with taking a pledge to oppose all forms of terrorism and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.

Organised by Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the observance was held at State Secretariat, South Block with Forest and Revenue Minister Th Debendra, who is also currently the Chief Minister in-charge as chief guest.

Speaking at the occasion, Debendra described Rajiv Gandhi as a young and dynamic leader who was always at the forefront of campaigning for democratic values.

It was during one such campaign on this day in 1991 that Rajiv lost his life in a tragic bomb blast triggered by terrorists.

So, his death anniversary is being observed every year as Anti-Terrorism Day to renew our pledge of opposing all forms of terrorism and violence, Debendra observed.

Speaking of other contributions that Rajiv Gandhi made to the society during his lifetime, Debendra pointed out that today more and more women representatives are being elected in the Panchayat as a result of the efforts made by Rajiv Gandhi to empower women from the grassroots level.

Minister of Information and Public Relations TN Haokip, Education Minister DD Thaisii, Chief Secretary DS Poonia and other top officials of Civil and Police were also present at the occasion, during which the congregation took a pledge.

The pledge said, ''We, the people of India, having abiding faith in our country's tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength, all forms of terrorism and violence.

We pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values'' .

The function commenced with the opening song presented by artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College and ended with the closing song also presented by them.

Anti-Terrorism Day was observed at Imphal Public School , Temple of Learning and St John Bosco Schools, which are located in Canchipur and its surrounding area.

As part of the observance, the students put up placards and banners inscribed with slogans like 'Say no to terrorism', Stop terrorism', 'No guns, we want peace', 'Let peace prevail on earth', etc.

On the other hand, a mass public rally attended by people from all walks of life was also reported taken out to mark the Ant-Terrorism Day observance in Sagolmang area today.

Flagging off from Sagolmang, the rally passed through Khewa and Palau villages carrying the message of shunning violence and gun culture and culminated at Sagolmang market.

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