IMPHAL, November 19: As in other parts of the country, Quami Ekta was observed throughout the state commemorating the 96th birthday of former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
The state Chief Minister also inaugurated its Quami Ekta Week at Manipur Secretariat South Block.
Elaborating on the purpose of observing Quami Ekta Week, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that Quami Ekta Week is being observed across the country to intensify the unity and integrity and also to arouse the feeling of patriotism throughout the nation.
As part of the week-long observation, November 22 will be observed as the Weaker Section Day, November 23 as Cultural Day, November 24 as Women’s Day and November 25 as Conservation Day, the CM elaborated.
Referring to a statement of the former Prime Minister, the CM said that the people of the country is embracing different religion, brought up at different places, although these differences should not block development of the country; and further added that the youth of the state should be instrumental in taking the country forward.
The president of the function, Dy CM Gaikhangam expressed that Indira Gandhi treated all the citizens of India as equals without any consideration of the differences on the line of class, creed, religion, sex etc.
He further said that the late Prime Minister of India had faced threats of both internal and external.
Elaborating on the achievement of the former PM of India, Gaikhangam also cited her role in international politics of initiating Non Allied Movement and the doctrine of no first use of nuclear weapon.
The function was attended by other council of ministers of the state, chief secretary and officials of the state Secretariat and affirmed for the national integrity of the country.
In another function, the 96th birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi was observed by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Congress Bhavan, BT Road.
Floral tributes were paid to a portrait of the former PM during the function.
The president of MPCC Gaikhangam, CM O Ibobi, MLAs and MPCC member took a pledge on national integrity during the function.
On the sidelines of the function, the Dy CM interacted with media persons and expressed that Indira Gandhi was not only a Prime Minister of India but also an international figure.
He further appealed the people of Manipur to follow in the path of the late Prime Minister.
Reacting to the recent upsurge in bomb blast carried out by the underground outfits in the state, the state Dy CM who also holds the Home portfolio said that the outfits are only attempting to remind the state of their existence.
He also condemned the recent bomb attack against BRTF which injured seven people including a minor girl.
Regarding the demands from various sections of the society to extend the service period of the present DGP, Gaikhangam further said that the state government has no say in the matter and it could be affected by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India.
In the mean time, the Quami Ekta Week (National Integration Week) ordained by Nehru Yuva Kendra and District Administration, Thoubal was today observed at DC office conference hall, Thoubal.
