IMPHAL, December 7: The people of the state is fed up of violence and strongly resent the continued killing of innocent person in the state. It is a known fact that people are today clamouring for peace and development in the state, said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today.
Addressing the XVIII death anniversary of Moirangthem Ibotombi, former Minister of Manipur at the Heirok memorial complex of the former Minister, the Chief Minister said violence can never bring solution to any issue.
In what could be a veiled reaction to the several claims of encounters killings in the state, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said, it is obligatory for the state to protect the life and property of its subject and in the process sometimes unwanted confrontations happen.
He continued that as the government has been entrusted with the safety of the public, it cannot remain silent spectators when certain anti-social elements and terrorist/s lob bombs just because someone has refuse to pay them monetary demands.
If the government remain silent during such times, the public will start questioning the very existence of the government, he said.
In order to safeguard the well-being of the general public, sometimes unwanted confrontations erupt, even though the government has always instructed the law enforcing agencies to exercise maximum restrain from using violence while dealing with any issue.
However sometimes the law enforcing agencies have to retaliate and use their weapons when attacked, the CM added.
He added that everyone has to die one day, but it is not right to kill an innocent person.
He further appealed to the people of the state to join hands and fight against such violence to bring peace and development in the state.
“We are all children of the same mother, so instead of fighting amongst one another we should try to solve all differences and issues through dialogues”, the Chief Minister said.
Deputy Chief Minister while addressing the observation elaborated on the need and importance of the Right to Information Act.
He said there is an apprehension that certain individuals have been misusing the RTI act in order blackmail others which would be an unfortunate development if at all it is true.
Elaborating on the importance of the act, the Dy CM said the Act is there to bring transparency in the workings of the government at its officials and should not be misuse in any other way.
The state Dy CM who also holds the Home portfolio also said that instead of fighting against one another, we should start living in a united and peaceful manner and bring development to the state.
The function was also attended by other Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Congress MLAs and others.
Meanwhile, seven successful candidates of the All India Pre-Medical Test 2012 from Heirok constituency were awarded with Rs 50,000 each as incentive award by local MLA Moirangthem Okendro, son of late Ibotombi at the function.