IMPHAL, May 21: The State-level observation of ‘Anti- Terrorism Day’ was held at the Banquet Hall of 1st Manipur Rifles today with Chief Minis-ter O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest. At the same time, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) organised an Anti-Terrorism Day pro-gramme at Congress Bhawan, BT Road.
Speaking at the observance function at 1st MR Banquet hall, Chief Minister O Ibobi said, “Let us all join hands together to wipe the dreaded terrorism. Only then peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings would prevail in the State of Manipur”.
The ‘Anti-Terrorism Day’ (Day Against Terrorism) was observed to commemorate the death anniversary of Pri-me Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was killed in a bomb attack on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Today is the 25th death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, the former PM of India.
The Chief Minister said, “Terrorism has devastating impacts on law and order situation and poses obstacles in developmental activities of Manipur. To tackle terrorism, State Govt has tried its best by spending huge amounts of money and strengthened the police force. Therefore, the time has come to fight terrorism. We must oppose all forms of terrorism and violence collectively”.
O Ibobi further said that observing such a day that upholds the idea of standing against terrorism is very appropriate in the present context of Manipur. He urged civil society organisations, NGOs and every person of the society to fight against terrorism and violence at their individual levels also and not to hand over the task to Government alone.
The CM appealed to the parents and guardians of today’s youngsters, to guide them in a proper way and in the right directions since they are the assets of the future generation. If the parents guide their youths in a right direction, and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values, it would help in eradicating terrorism from the State.
Attending the observation as the president, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that in the modern civilization, terrorism is the biggest threat and any problems could be solved only through negotiation.
He recounted various achievements of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by mentioning the signing of the historic Punjab Accord in 1985 and Mizoram Accord of 1986, which were milestone events in bringing internal peace to the country. Gaikhangam added that it was during Rajiv’s time that the voting age of citizens was brought down from 21 year to 18 year. He appealed to all to follow the footsteps of the peace initiatives taken up by Rajiv Gandhi.
Council of Ministers, HAC Chairman, MLAs, Parliamentary Secretaries, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other top civil and police officials attended the function. All those present at the function took a pledge to stand against terrorism. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) also observed Anti-Terrorism Day at Congress Bhawan, BT Road. Chief Minister O Ibobi, Dy CM Gaikhangam, MPCC president TN Haokip, Ministers, MLAs and party leaders and workers attended the observance function.
MPCC president TN Haokip led the gatherings in offering tributes to the photo of late Rajiv Gandhi during the programme.
