Imphal, August 16, 2010: Acknowledging the pivotal role played by members of the Seva Dal in strengthening the Congress party from the grass root level, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that to the Congress, the Seva Dal members are its disciplined foot soldiers, who live by the political beliefs of the party.

Speaking at the concluding day of the seven days, State Level Block Organiser Training camp, held in connection with the 125 foundation day of the Congress from August 10 to August 16, the Chief Minister left no words unsaid in acknowledging the important role of the Seva Dal members in strengthening the party and called them the true sons and daughters of the party.

The training camp was jointly organised by the Manipur Congress Seva Dal and the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Congress Bhawan.

Attended by 72 members of the Seva Dal, including women, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party is not only the oldest political party in the country but is also firmly wedded to the ideology of democracy.

It is with this belief that the Congress has been able to tackle so many issues confronting the people of Manipur, added Ibobi.

Pointing out that Manipur is home to a number of community, each professing their own religion and customs and traditions, Ibobi said that the co-existence of so many communities side by side in a democracy, is a role model for many countries across the world.

Stating that there can be no discrimination in a democracy, the Chief Minister said that the majority community should never try to ride rough shod over the minorities.

It is the primary duty of all Congress workers to ensure that there is no discrimination in the name of community or religion, said Ibobi and added that to achieve this, there is the need to further strengthen the Congress party.

The Chief Minister also opined that such Block Organiser Training Camp should be held in other districts too.

MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam, urged the Chief Minister to see if there are any avenues wherein, the Seva Dal members, who have undergone training can be given preferential treatment in the recruitment of VDF and in other aspects as well.

The MPCC (I) leader further said that the Seva Dal members have a huge responsibility in helping the Congress reach out to all sections of the people as well as strengthen it at the grass root level.

The Chief Minister later distributed certificates to all those who participated in the training programme.

Deputy Speaker Th Lokeshore, MLAs and Treasurer of MPCC (I) S Achouba were present at the occasion.

A function to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of India was also held at the party's office.

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