UNC statement unfortunate, says Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, November 14: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee today observed the 123rd Birth Anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru at its committee office attended by MPCC president Gaikhangam as the chief guest.

On being asked about his take on UNC’s statement urging all Nagas in the state to abstain from attending the Manipur Sangai festival, the state Congress leader said the statement was unfortunate and said though he cannot stop anyone from expressing their opinion he believed the people are wise enough to understand the issue and not to listen to such unfortunate statements.

He further urged all communities to participate in the forthcoming festival and show the unity of the communities residing in the state.

The MPCC leader had also reiterated his November 13 speech on the ideology of separatism amongst the different communities of the state. He said the ideology of separatism in Manipur is not feasible and that people should discard any feelings of separatism from their minds.

Meanwhile, speaking at the function, Gaikhangam said that Jawaharlal Nehru was an exemplary personality and had worked for the entire humanity.

He urged the people to work towards realizing the late PM’s vision and ideology of peace, unity, development, a mature country by following in his footsteps.

People should work together to foster ‘Unity in diversity’ in the country, the MPCC leader said.

He urged the people to leave the ways of violence and realize the late PM’s dream of turning India into a paradise on earth. Only with development can we realize the dreams of a strong and united India.

While appealing to the people of the state to take Manipur forward for a united and prosperous society, he said all communities should be in a peaceful co-existence.

He appealed to the people to take Manipur forward towards a united and prosperous society.

Every citizen should take a decision about his or her individual contribution towards the development of the country, he continued.

As part of the observation, the MPCC president led party members and officials in offering floral tributes to a picture of the first Prime Minister of India. Later on floral tributes were paid at the statue of the late Prime Minister’s statue at the Western gate of Kangla.

The observation was also attended by MPCC vice president S Achouba, Ministers Md Abdul Nasir, Govindas Konthoujam, Ak Mirabai, MLAs Victor Keishing, S Bira, ex-MP Angou among others.