Dr Meinya, Thangso pledge to uphold State's interest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2009: Both the successful Indian National Congress candidates thangso baite and Dr Thokchom Meinya Singh have pledged commitment to the overall welfare of the State including taking the initiative in solving the insurgency problem that had been beseiging Manipur.

Dr T Meinya of Congress who has been re-elected to the Lok Sabha from the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency for the second successive term has stated that his top priority would be to bring about a peaceful solution to the armed secessionist movement in Manipur.

Dr Thokchom Meinya and Thangso Baite of the Congress party along with supporters and family members after winning the polls

Talking to mediapersons while coming to collect his certificate from the Returning Officer (RO) at the office complex of Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West District at Lamphelpat here this afternoon, Dr Meinya who secured in all 2,30,876 votes to retain his Lok Sabha seat said bringing an end to the over 30 years old armed secessionist movement in the State is essential as it has not only impended developmental works but also given a serious impact on the life of the common people.

"So my top priority would be to work towards a peaceful solution to the problem," Dr Meinya said.

In response to a question, Dr Meinya said the demand for implementation of 6th Pay Commission in Manipur is reasonable.

The State Government would definitely pay attention to this demand, he added.

On the demand for scrapping of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers' Act, 1958, Dr Meinya pointed out it would depend on improvement of the law and order situation.

The State Government has already removed the Act on trial basis from seven Assembly segments and scrapping of the Act completely would come automatically once the law and order situation is normal, he said, while seeking co-operation of the people in improving the law and order situation in the State.

He also assured to implement promises made in the election manifesto of the party.

Dr Meinya was accompanied by MPCC president Gaikhangam, MOBC Minister Md Allauddin and MLA of Moirang A/C Prithiviraj when he come to collect the certificate.

A jubilant Thangso Baite exphasised that his priority would be promotion of a congenial environment for the peace-starved people to strive for prosperity.

All the issues of the State would be taken up at the Centre, Thangso Baite of Congress who has been elected as MP from Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency assured.

Interacting with media-persons while coming to collect his certificate, Thangso Baite gave the credit of his success to support of the people.

In response to a question on public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the newly elected Congress Parliamentarian noted that decision of the State and the Central Govt is essential for removal of the Act.

Though he refrained from giving his personal opinion on the prevailing law and order situation, Thangso Baite, nonetheless, pointed out that there is differences in the assessment of the situation by the public and the Government.

Maintaining that gun is not the solution to the existing insurgency problem in the State, Thangso Baite opined that peaceful dialogue should be initiated.

He assured that consultation would be held with the State Government to initiate peace dialogue with the various insurgent groups operating in Manipur.