Imphal, January 14: In case people don't vote for MPP and elect the party to power which has already pledged to repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, the people of Manipur should bear the guilt of killing Irom Sharmila who has been on a fast unto death stir for the last six years demanding repeal of the draconian Act from Manipur, pronounced Th Chaoba today.

The former MP was speaking at an election meeting of Khurai A/C MPP candidate Prof Dr N Bijoy at Khurai Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai.

Chaoba asserted that casting votes in favour of the Congress party which acts at the whim of the Union Government would be tantamount to giving the death sentence to Irom Sharmila who has been fighting for the rights of Manipuri people.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Nimaichand Luwang, reacting to the 'misconception' that more funds would be provided to the State Govt if the Congress party is elected to power as it is also in power at the Centre, described such thinking as being short-sighted.

In case MPP is elected to power, the party would not beg for funds from the Union Government.

It would take the State's share with dignity unlike the Congress leaders of the State who can stoop to any level for Central funds.

If the Union Govt refuses to sanction the due share of fund for Manipur, MPP would seek other means, said Nimaichand.

It would be a gross mistake if the Centre refuses to sanction the State's share of plan amount on the ground that very little revenue comes from the State.

Speaking on the occasion, MPP president Dr L Chandramani said that the Union Government and the Indian National Congress would not bother even if some districts of Manipur are given away to the neighbouring State to form greater Nagaland.

But it would a great loss to MPP as the party stands for the integrity of Manipur, said Dr Chandramani.

The claim of the Congress party that no other party except Congress would be able to protect the Manipur or to repeal AFSPA is a case of maintaining double standard by the Congress party, he asserted.

He further alleged that at Delhi the State Congress leaders maintained that they were against repealing AFSPA and they would not oppose integration of Naga inhabited areas while they took a totally different posture in Manipur.

Today's meeting was also addressed by MPP candidate Prof Dr N Bijoy besides other MPP leaders.

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