21st death anniversary of M Ibotombi Ibobi, Gaikhangam bat for peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 07 2015: Violence has no place in today's world.

And people are very much aware that violence will bring no solution to any problem or issue, said Chief Minister O Ibobi.

CM O Ibobi was addressing the 21st death anniversary of former Minister Moirangthem Ibotombi today at Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Complex, Heirok in Thoubal district.

The function was organised by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust.

Although a tiny State, Manipur was once a peaceful State where different ethnic communities coexisted as one, the CM said.

However, every community has now started building narrow sectarian walls.

Everyone is pursuing ethnocentric, exclusive agenda and ideals, O Ibobi said.

He wanted all concerned to deliberate whether such development is against the wish and aspiration of the people or not.

21st death anniversary of M Ibotombi Ibobi, Gaikhangam bat for peace :: Pix - DIPR

O Ibobi further said that killing of a respected and adorable leader like M Ibotombi without giving any chance to correct any mistake which he might have committed is beyond the nature of humanity.

No one will accept any apology after killing a person, he added.

Offering floral tributes to the photograph of the departed leader, presentation of songs and a public gathering were the highlights of the observance programme.

It may be mentioned that former Minister, M Ibotombi was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his Heirok residence on this day 21 years ago.

CM O Ibobi also said that he would look into the possibility of observing the day as a State level programme.

Speaking at the occasion, Dy CM Gaikhangam said that the message that the people detest violence will be spread by observing the day.

Although there is apparent perception about the fall of violence relating to militancy, there is rise in anti-social activities and crime against women, children, he said.

As such people need to take a pledge against violence individually on this day, he added.

Education Minister M Okendro, Ministers, MLAs and top ranking civil and police officers of the State attended the programme.

Education Minister M Okendro, who is also president of Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust said that the Trust has been carrying the message of peace throughout the past 21 years.

While the slogan against killings has been raised, the news about cooking of human flesh surfaced recently, he noted.

With this, the slogan is likely to change (not to cook human flesh even if he/she is killed), Okendro said.

People of Heirok AC are ready to stop repulsive and abhorrent activities in the society, Okendro added.

He further said that the function is in no way related to politics but is an occasion for collective pledge against violence in the State and Heirok AC.