Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 02:
Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has stated that the new Council of Ministers would be inducted after Yaosang, (Holi festival).
� As done in the previous term of the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) Government, this time also the Council of Ministers will be formed after considering all levels - district, area and community - so that an equal set up will be effected�, the Chief Minister said just after he took the oath of secrecy and office as Chief Minister at Raj Bhawan today afternoon.
Okram who completed a record five year term in the just dissolved 8th State Assembly said the SPF coalition partner format having Congress and CPI would be retained in the new Ministry.
To finalize the induction of the new Ministry some time would be needed and probably the same would be announced after the five day long Yaoshang festival beginning Saturday, said the Chief Minister.
� To finalise the list of the Council of Ministers I will discuss the matter with AICC leaders for which I will leaving for New Delhi tomorrow,� informed the Chief Minister.
Ibobi however said he cannot give any comment on whether any RJD MLA would be inducted in the Ministry or nor and added that it needs to be discussed thoroughly.
Responding to a query, the Chief Minister said the first and foremost step to be taken up by the new Congress led Government is to try and usher in peace, development and communal harmony.
� Both peace and development can go simultaneously,� he said adding that the SPF Government would also take up serious steps to bring a permanent solution to the militancy problem.
On the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act he reiterated that the Disturbed Area status had already been lifted by the previous SPF Government from seven Assembly segments of Imphal municipal area and added � we will repeal the same from the whole of the State when the law and order situation improves�.
The Chief Minister expressed his heart-felt gratitude for the massive turn out of voters in the just ended elections despite the intimidations and threats issued from different quarters.
The large number of seats pocketed by the Congress is a clear sign that the people have faith in the party, he declared.
�We will continue expediting our agenda to bring about all round development and all the points listed in the election manifesto would also be translated into action�, the Chief Minister declared.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam also iterated that the SPF Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and development prevail in the State.