Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06:
While reiterating that there cannot be any development in the State if there is no peace, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today said that the State Government alone will not be able to bring peace as it requires a concerted effort of all the people.
Speaking at the occasion of National Leadership Golden Jubilee celebration at Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) Centre Church, today, the Chief Minister said there can be peace only when all the different groups of people living in Manipur mutually respect each other's culture and tradition and live in peace and harmony.
He said these qualities and values are what every religions preach and every faithfuls should believe.
The Chief Minister said �India is our country and all of us are the citizens of this great secular and democratic country where every person have the equal right to profess the religion of their own liking.� The Chief Minister also encouraged the members of MBC which organised the event and said such event gave a unique opportunity to people of various religious background not only from Manipur but also from other parts of the country to meet and share their ideas and opinions.
Singing of devotional songs and mass prayer session to evoke the blessing of Almighty for peace and prosperity marked the occasion.
Tribal Development Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Power Minister Gaikhangam, Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa, MLA A Aza were also present at the occasion.