Ibobi calls for shaping Manipur's legacy with care
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 30 2023: Expressing concern over the unrest situation gripping the state for over seven months, former chief minister O Ibobi has emphasised the importance of strategic planning to shape a legacy that will inspire and benefit future generations to come in the state.

He was attending the anniversary observance of formation of Jukto Front (United Front) to bring unity between hills and valley organised by the Observation Committee, CPI Manipur State Council held at Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) hall, here, on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Ibobi said that the state is now at a critical crossroad where the present generation needs to think carefully the strategic plan ning for shaping the legacy of the Manipuri society so that peace and development could prevail in the future.

It has been 76 years since the visionary leader Hijam Irabot formed the United Front to uphold the unity of Manipur, which is an embodiment of unity in diversity.

Neither the Meetei nor the tribals in the hills can claim exclusive rights over the whole state or any portion as it belongs to all communities irrespective of their population size.

All the political parties in the state will not accept the idea of bifurcating the state and they will stand till their last breath to protect the unity and territory of Manipur, he affirmed, while suggesting that people walk the path of unity and peaceful co-existence chosen by Hijam Irabot.

Further stating that nobody is immortal and as such should strive to love and respect one another during their lifetime, Ibobi also called upon every community in the state to take a united stand to uphold the territory, integrity, unity and identity of Manipur.

Speaking on the illegal poppy cultivation, the Congress leader criticised the government for its drive against the illegal activities saying that destroying poppy plants here and there by using some sticks will not resolve the issue.

The government should use lAF's machineries to destroy the illegal poppy plants as assured by the union defence minister.

He also spoke about stringent measures taken up during his government to check illicit drug trade in the state.

Governance is a continual process and successive government is responsible for continuing past initiatives or make amendments to streamline those initiatives to make it more effective by introducing innovative measures to address any issue.

It is rather unbecoming of a government to keep blaming past governments for its present failures, he said and asked the BJP government why it failed to take up border fencing work in the last 10 years.

The 10 km border fencing was constructed during Congress rule but it was stalled following objections from CSOs over misalignment of boundary lines and losing land to Myanmar.

Unfortunately, the Narendra Modi government, despite being in power for nearly 10 years, is sitting quiet on the matter till date, he said.

Expressing serious concern over prolonging of the ethnic conflict in the state, the opposition leader said that it is high time for.the Central government to take lead role in initiating table talks to resolve the situation peacefully and amicably.

Opposition parties are ready to join such peace process, he added.

CPI state unit's Central Committee chairman L Iboyaima, ex-MLA Dr M Nara, party leaders and representatives of different political parties also attended the event.

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