IMPHAL, December 7: Violence will never bring any solution. The small-minded pettiness of selfish and communal thinking has unsettled Manipur by blocking growth of peace, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today.
He was speaking at the 21st death anniversary observation of former minister Moirangthem Ibotombi at the Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Complex, Heirok under the theme `Kanglup amasung jatigee khetnaba leitaba leingak shanti purakpa.`™
The Chief Minister said the State government will consider upgrading the death anniversary observation of the former minister to a State-level observation.
Stating that the observation aims to bring peace and unity among the different communities in the State and to spread the message of peace and not violence, the Chief Minister expressed that if the message is spread across the State, we could all come together and find amicable peace and unity.
As small as Manipur is, several communities have been residing together peacefully since time immemorial, he said.
Adding that the State is also not without people who consider only their demands and thoughts to be right, he said it is more important to understand whether such demands and thoughts are also supported by the people.
The people`™s call is acknowledged as God`™s own, the Chief Minister continued.
Today, people all over the world are well aware of Mahatma Gandhi`™s non-violence and his birth anniversary is observed as the International Day of Non-violence, he said.
Meanwhile, lauding the organisers of the observation, Ibobi said former minister (L) Moirangthem Ibotombi encouraged peace and harmony in the State.
Deputy Chief Minister in his speech said, `Enough is enough, let us shun violence.`
He urged the people to join hands and restore the past glory of the State.
(L) Ibotombi was a beloved leader of the people and mixed well with the public irrespective of age, caste and religion, he said observing that the people should take a pledge to stop violence and bring peace and unity in the State.
Gaikhangam said in order to bring peace to the land, we should start from ourselves.
Citing a pastor, he said even the messenger of God cannot bring peace if he acts selfishly.
It may be mentioned that the observation had started early in the morning around 3:30 and floral tributes were also offered at the former minister memorial complex.
President of the trust and State Education minister Moirangthem Okendro who is also the son of the former minister said the observation aims to bring peace and unity in the State.
Under the leadership of the State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Heirok constituency has been developed manifold, he said.
Okendro who is also the local MLA added road connectivity, health, education sectors and social security in the constituency has developed much.
The minister further urged the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to upgrade the observation to a State-level function.