Rajiv Gandhi remembered
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2013: The 69th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was celebrated today at Cong-ress Bhavan during which floral tributes were paid to the photograph of Rajiv Gandhi.

Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, leaders of Congress party's frontal organisations and cells led by Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister and MPCC president Gaikha-ngam paid floral tributes to the late Prime Minister.

After paying floral tribu-tes, Gaikhangam delivered an oath to the gathering to protect integrity of the country.

Talking with media persons after the anniversary function, Gaikhangam stated that the birth anniversary fun-ction was organised to keep alive and follow the aspirations and principles of Rajiv Gandhi.

He was a pivotal figure in resolving many vexed issues of the country in the form of Punjab Accord, Mizo Accord etc.

He was also key a figure in heralding a sweeping revolution in the fields of informa- tion and technology.

Blood donation camp underway

Responding to a query put up by media persons, Gaik-hangam stated that the Government has knowledge of some people indulging in abduction for ransom, extortion and other unlawful activities in the name of Kuki UG groups which are under SoO pact.

Such unlawful activities perpetrated against SoO ground rules would be tabled in Joint Monitoring Group meetings.

Noting that the SoO pact was signed after acknowledging the desire of the UG groups to come to the path of peace, the Deputy Chief Minister appealed to all concerned to give up the habit of saying one thing and doing something totally contradictory.

On being asked about the murder of van driver Okram Gyanendro, Gaikhangam claimed that police have been conducting intensive search operations to pull up all the suspects.

A report is expected very soon from the side of police, he added.

Recounting contribution of former Prime Minister (late) Rajiv Gandhi and blood donation camp marked the 69th birth anniversary celebration of India's youngest premier organised at different venues by All India Congress Social Organisation and National students' Union of India (NSUI), Manipur State today.

Celebrated as Ekta Dewas, AICSA hosted the commemorative function at GM Hall during which Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh gracing the event as the chief guest attributed progression of India in diverse sectors, particularly in information technology and upliftment of the economically deprived section of the society, to the endeavours of Rajiv Gandhi.

Along with highlighting that Rajiv Gandhi was the main architect for India presently occupying a respectable position in the global race for development as well as his relentless effort and commitment through implementation of Panchayati Raj the chief factor for the country gradually able to eradicate poverty, the Works Minister said recent adoption of Food Security Ordinance is a materialisation of the departed Prime Minister's aspiration to free the people of India from the scourge of food insecurity.

Dr Ratankumar also described Rajiv Gandhi as one of the strongest propagators of global peace and protection of the environment.

Congress party MLAs K Devendro Singh and E Chand Singh, former State Assembly Speaker K Babudhon and event host president Bikram ngairangbam were also present at the occasion.

On the otherhand, NSUI joined hands with Department of Immunohaematology & Blood Transfusion, RIMS in organising a blood donation camp at RIMS blood bank to commemorate the birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Rajiv Gandhi's last public meeting was at Sriperum-budur on 21 May 1991, in a village approximately 30 miles from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where he was assassinated while campaigning for the Sriperumbudur Lok Sabha Congress candidate.

The assassination was carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.