Imphal, November 11: When the country is marching towards development and progress, frequent calls for bandhs and blockades in Manipur as pressure tactics to derail/oppose dedicated pursuit of the Government vividly reflects immature concept and display of naivety, scorned the Chief Minister O Ibobi.

Speaking at the Congress workers conference at Synod Hall of Churachandpur and at Saikot attended by chiefs of different villages and public leaders of Churachandpur, Ibobi noted that people have realised that imposing bandhs, blockades and vandalising public properties on some pretexts or another were works of demented minds.

Saying that all State properties belong to all the people irrespective of communities, rich or poor, Ibobi asserted that opposing undertakings of the State Government would only impede development of the State.

As such, he appealed to the people not to support bandhs and blockades which have become a regular feature in Manipur.

Ibobi informed that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has agreed to lay the foundation stones of the Tipaimukh Multipurpose Project and Loktak Downstream Project during his visit to the State on November 27.The Tipaimukh Project is expected to cost Rs 7000 crores.

Observing that Tipaimukh Project is one of the rare mega projects approved by the Government of India keeping in view shortage of power supply in Manipur, the Chief Minister deplored boycott call by some groups against the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and AICC President Sonia Gandhi to Manipur later this month while claiming that these groups were unable to justify their stiff opposition against the Tipaimukh Project work.

Noting that the boycott call made against the visit of the two Central leaders amount to doubting their good intention to help in development of Manipur, Ibobi reiterated his appeal to the people not to endorse all unreasonable bandh or blockade.

Meanwhile, in connection with the visit of the Prime Minister, a meeting of the Steering Committee of SPF Government was held this evening with the Chief Minister in the chair.

On the itinerary of the Prime Minister's visit, the meeting decided that Dr Manmohan Singh would address a public meeting at Kangla and lay the foundation stones of the Tipaimukh Dam project, MIT, Loktak Downstream project, National Sports Academy and City Convention Centre.

On the otherhand, continuing his address, Ibobi remarked that most people coming to visit Ministers and MLAs including himself were self-seeking individuals.

He lamented that only one in hundred came in larger interest of the State and the people.

He observed that most of these people accuse Ministers and MLAs whenever their desires were not addressed.

Claiming that the Congress party had implemented 80 percent of the works it assured to the people during the 8th Assembly elections, Ibobi rejoiced at the success of the Congress led Govt while declaring that the works initiated and completed by the SPF Govt would be published to the people within the current month.

Speaking on the occasion, MPCC president Gaikhangam asserted that some senior politicians known for shifting allegiance to different political parties more often than not have stirred a turmoil in the State ahead of the forthcoming elections.

While questioning these politicians whether they were intent on serving the State or otherwise, he cautioned people to be on guard against the false propaganda and tall claims of such politicians.

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