Imphal, October 31: Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing has stated that activities of the terrorists should be countered effectively and there is no point of being in power and rule the State/country if one is afraid of doing so.

He was speaking at the occasion of observance of National Re-dedication Day organised by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) at the conference hall of Congress Bhavan here today.

The National Re-dedication Day (Rashtriya Sankalap Diwas is being observed in connection with the 23rd death anniversary of former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi.

The observance function was also organised by the State Government at all the district headquarters.

Addressing the function at Congress Bhavan which was attended by Ministers, MLAs, Ex-MLAs and other party leaders, Keishing pointed out that it is the responsibility of the Govt to fight against terrorism of any form.

It is also the duty of the Govt to protect and safeguard the lives and the properties of the people.

If the activities of the terrorists posing challenge to the welfare of the State and its people, befitting reply should be given.

If not, the Govt should step down.

Recalling the contribution made by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi toward strengthening the Congress party as well as in the freedom movement, Keishing said Indira had been associated with Congress right from birth.

Although a woman, she was an able administrator par excellence who was sincere and hard working to the core.

The Congress party should follow the course shown by her, Keishing exhorted.

The 20-point programme initiated by India Gandhi while she was the Prime Minister with the main objective of eradicating poverty is still relevant today and should be implemented, he added.

MPCC president Gaikhangam who presided over the function described Indira Gandhi as a women leader who had dedicated and sacrifice her life for the cause of the nation.

He also exhorted all party workers to rededicate themselves to the cause of working for the betterment of both the hill and the valley people of the State.

Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and former MP Wahengbam Angou , who also spoke at the occasion reminisced that earlier party workers used to have high respect of the code of conduct of the party and work in unity for the common good of all, a feature which is not to be found any more.

If no efforts are made for strengthening the party today, there is the possibility of dissension and ultimate break up of the party in the future, they cautioned. Prior to this, functional president MPCC president Gaikhangam led other Ministers, MLAs, party leaders and workers in offering floral tributes to the photograph of Indira Gandhi.

The State function of the National Re-dedication Day observance held at the parade ground of 1 Manipur Rifles was attended by PHE Minister TN Haokip and Education Minister L Jayentakumar as chief guest and president respectively.

Agriculture Minister N Loken, MLA Thangkholun Haokip, MLA Dr Kh Loken, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and other top Government officials were also present at the occasion.

Paying homage Indira Gandhi and recalling her contribution and sacrifice for the nation were the main highlight of the observance.

The observance function commenced after the chief guest received a rally of the school children which had been flagged off from Hafta Kangjeibung and unfurling the tri-colour flag.

Speaking at the occasion, TN Haokip said any act of terrorism should not be condoned and terrorism or violence would never be able to solve the problems confronting the State today.

In his presidential address, Jayantakumar said death of an able leader like Indira Gandhi in the hands of terrorists was a great loss to the nation.

So all of us should stand firm against any anti-social element.

The National Re-dedication Day was also observed in a befitting manner at all other district headquarters of the State.

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