Imphal, December 28: The Churachandpur unit of Manipur pradesh Nationalist Congress Party held a district political conference at the Synod Hall today with the party's national secretary MK Balock as the chief guest.

In his address to the gathering, Balock contended that till date no political entity that governed Manipur had worked in accordance with the public sentiment and aspiration as is evident from the all round under-development in the State.

In only his maiden visit to the State, Balock claimed of interacting with section of the common populace through whom disparities in transportation, pathetic drinking water/power supply scenario and anxiety amongst the youths due to lack of employment opportunities among others could be assuaged.

With reference to his factual observation and placing Manipur at the bottom of the development scale in the country, Balock pledged that NCP would contest the forthcoming State Assembly election with the sole objective of working for the economic prosperity of Manipur.

Inspite of reminding that NCP is working in close tandem with the UPA coalition partners in other States, the party leader ruled out similar alliance in the State context.

Delivering the presidential address, president of NCP State unit Radhabinod Koijam asserted that NCP would command single largest majority after the assembly polls by wresting 20 seats on its own.

Dismissing the Congress party's claim of gaining absolute majority in the ensuing election as ridiculous, the former Chief Minister reminded that since 1972 not a single political party could attain the absolute majority mark.

He further maintained that NCP would unflinchingly work for economic development of Manipur, ensure good governance and promote communal harmony.

Emphasising on peace and tranquillity as the only stepping-stone for State's march towards socio-economic development and observing that insurgency problem could be addressed through negotiations, the State NCP chief further asserted that in case NCP comes to power AFSPA would be repealed to not only ensure a respectable existence for the people of Manipur but honour and save Irom Chanu Sharmila's life.

In addition to NCP aspirants for the State election and party leaders gracing the day long session, another meeting of the party was held at Ningthoukhong wherein the two national and State leaders also spoke.

Comment