Merciless killings should not be confused with revolutionary acts, asserts Ibobi
CM talks from heart, touches raw nerve
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 07 2010: Killing people without any remorse by those indulging in 'terrorist activities' just to achieve their targets would not bring any revolution in the State.

Violence cannot bring any positive change in the State, stated Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

Speaking at the 16th death anniversary function of former Minister Moirangthem Ibotombi at Heirok today, Ibobi lamented that many precious lives have been cut short due to terrorist activities of armed groups operating in the State.

Questioning if such mindless killings had brought any change or benefit to the State, Ibobi declared that anybody/group may kill him, if they are sure that their act would bring any positive revolution in the State.

CM paying homage to the departed soul of M Ibomtobi who was assassinated 16 years ago

Noting that all men are mortal, Ibobi asserted that no one should be afraid of being killed by terrorists.

However, it would be impossible to dream of a revolution through internecine killings.

The Chief Minister invited all sections of the people to sit and consult together towards bringing a revolutionary change in Manipur.

For a democratic State like Manipur, the real masters of the State are the people and the learned intellectuals.

It is a democratic right of each and every citizen to criticise and point out flaws and lapses detected in Government activities.

Calling upon all to exercise this right freely, the Chief Minister stated that his Government believes in community participation in governance and has its door wide open to all public suggestions and comments.

Observing that demands for homelands raised by different communities based on ethnic identities have been causing turmoil in Manipur, the Chief Minister called upon legal experts and intellectuals to voice their opinions on the feasibility or infeasibility of such demands.

Claiming that the Government has been making all efforts to eradicate corruption from the State, Ibobi sought public support and cooperation towards this end.

As the Government is aware of the huge amounts of money being extorted by armed groups from Government departments, the Government has taken up necessary measures to enable employees draw their salaries through their own personal bank accounts, Ibobi stated.

The death anniversary function was organised by the Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust on the theme 'Love, Peace and Progress' .

The function was marked by offering of floral tributes to Moirangthem Ibotombi and observance of two minutes silence in honour of the late Minister.

It was also attended by the Council of Ministers, MLAs, former Ministers, civil officers, the DGP and other high-ranking police officers.