IMPHAL, Nov 11: Declaring that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has no knowledge on RK Meghen’s arrest from Dhaka, Chief Minister O. Ibobi has appealed to the social organizations of the state to withdraw their boycott stir and join hands with other people to welcome the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi who is visiting the state tomorrow to inaugurate some major development projects including the Khuga Dam and Khwairamband Ema Keithel.
Speaking to mediapersons this afternoon during an inspection programme, Ibobi said that the state government has repeatedly asked the Centre of whether it has any knowledge of the whereabouts of RK Meghen.
The Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram himself has clarified that there is no official confirmation regarding the arrest of RK Meghen from the authority of any country, whether Myanmar or Bangladesh, the chief minister said.
The MHA has strictly declined to make comments on Meghen’s arrest when there are no official confirmations on this matter, he said.
The state government would try its best level to ensure free and fair trial of RK Meghen if he is handed over to the Indian authority, Ibobi noted.
Although the tentative programme of Sonia Gandhi’s visit has not been announced officially either by the state government or MPCC, Ibobi disclosed that the UPA chairperson will arrive at the Tulihal Airport tomorrow at around 11 am and then she would be flown to Khuga Dam in a helicopter.
After inaugurating the Khuga Dam she will return to Kangla Helipad in the same chopper.
Sonia will then pay tribute to the martyrs at Sahid Minar before inaugurating the Khwairamband Ema Keithel. After the inauguration of Khwairamband Ema markets she will then proceed to the Congress Bhavan where she will have lunch.
Sonia will also address a public meeting at Kangla and then inaugurate the Tribal Market at New Lambulane and Minority Girls’ Hostel at Hatta.
She will also visit the INA Complex, Moirang, Ibobi said.
The Chief Minister further appealed to all the people to welcome Sonia Gandhi whose visit will be marked as a rare occasion in the state.
The ministerial team led by Ibobi inspected the Khwairamband Ema Keithel, Tribal Market and Kangla where hectic preparations are being made. Almost all preparations are over.
Imphal streets are lined with INC flags. The public ground inside the Kangla Fort has been prepared to accommodate as many as 25,000 people at the public meeting to be addressed by the UPA chairperson.