IMPHAL, November 19: Former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi had sacrificed her life for national integration, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said attending the inaugural function of the Quami Ekta Week observation today at the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall Imphal.
The observation is being organised by the State government in commemoration of the former Prime Minister’s birth anniversary which is observed week-long as the “Quami Ekta Week” or national integrity week throughout the country.
India being a secular country, on many occasions during her time as the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi had many challenges on the national integrity of the nation, Ibobi observed.
Further elaborating, he said Indira Gandhi resolved the demand for Khalistan in the north and the demand for segregation of Mizoram in the North East led by the Mizo National Front without compromising on the national integrity of the nation showing her integrity and leadership capabilities.
Observing that the present generation needs to follow the sentiments and ideologies of Indira Gandhi, the Chief Minister said the former Prime Minister stood against all odds to protect the national integration even at the cost of her life.
He appealed to the younger generation of the State to preserve and protect the national integrity as a way to give meaning to the week-long observation.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who presided over the inaugural function remembered her last public speech that very single drop of her blood will be use for the cause of India’s unity.
He mentioned that Indira Gandhi was born leader and contributed for the development of the nation during her tenure as Prime Minister of India.
Gaikhangam said we should follow her path in making the nation strong and dynamic.
He said it is a day to pledge for strengthening the freedom and integrity of the nation.
The inaugural function of ‘Quami Ekta Week’ was also attended by deputy Speaker MK Preshaw Shimray, Social Welfare minister Ak Mirabai, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj minister Francis Ngajokpa and other top brass State police officers and civil officials.
As a part of the programme, the Chief Minister administered the pledge of national integration during the observation.
Patriotic songs were presented by Shri Shri Bal Maukunada Dev Government Music College’s teachers and students as opening and closing song.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also observed the 98th birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister at the Congress Bhawan attended by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, MPCC president Gaikhangam, other ministers, party MLAs and others.