As done in other parts of the country, Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas (National Re-dedication Day) was observed in Manipur as well with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest at the conference hall of Manipur Secretariat (South Block) today.
The occasion was held to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh was the president of the function attended by ministers, MLAs and high ranking officials of the State Government.
Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren Singh urged the people of the State to take the pledge of strengthening the integrity and unity of the country by following Indira Gandhi’s ideals. He said that Indira Gandhi ordered military action against the militants holed up inside Golden Temple, which led to her assassination by her own bodyguards on this day in 1984. “It must be so tough to take such a decision because she had to choose between the nation’s security and the sanctity of a religious place”, the Chief Minister observed.
Biren then said, “We need to further strengthen the integrity of the country and uplift the living standard of our people. We should also put in more efforts by concentrating more on bringing equal development in all sections of the society so that we may achieve advancement at par with the developed countries.”
The Chief Minister further said that every community irrespective of any religion or caste should try to maintain peace because development is possible only when there is peace and tranquillity. Mentioning about armed movements prevalent in some parts of the country, the Chief Minister observed that peaceful negotiation is the only solution because violence only creates misunderstanding among different communities.
Speaking at the occasion, Y. Joykumar Singh said that even though Indira Gandhi is no more, her sacrifices for the country and high ideals are still remembered by one and all. He opined that all those who have come forward to serve the people as public leaders should possess sacrificial spirit. “What is being witnessed today in the country as development is possible only because of the sacrifices made by the past leaders”, he said.
NNN