Congress launches grassroots overhaul in Ukhrul, vows new leadership and time-bound reorganisation

Special Correspondent 
Ukhrul, February 28:
The opposition Indian National Congress has initiated a sweeping organisational restructuring drive in Ukhrul district under its nationwide ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan,’ aiming to rebuild the party from the grassroots and identify new leadership through a consultative and transparent process.
Addressing a press conference at Meghan Hill in Viewland, Ukhrul, AICC observer and Chandigarh Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan President Lucky said the exercise is meant to infuse fresh energy into the party and ensure that the district leadership reflects the aspirations of workers and the people.
He said his team has begun consultations with Assembly-level workers, block leaders, district office-bearers, Congress members, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders before inviting applications for the post of District Congress Committee president. “We will distribute application forms at district and block meetings, collect them, consult key leaders, and prepare a comprehensive report to be submitted to the AICC,” Lucky said, adding that a final selection would be made after due consultation with all concerned.
Lucky was accompanied by Wungpam Raikhan, PCC member and Chairman of Scheduled Tribe MPCC, observers Badrur Rahman and John Pamei, Mahila Congress leader Cosmic Jajo, and other party functionaries.
He said the restructuring is part of a broader attempt to revive the Congress organisation in hill districts like Ukhrul and Senapati, stressing the need to identify capable local leaders who can raise pressing issues such as poor infrastructure, unemployment, and tourism development. “Development must be time-bound, employment should go to local people, and projects should be executed transparently without siphoning of funds,” he said.
During his recent visits to Senapati and Ukhrul, Lucky noted that road conditions and infrastructure gaps remain serious concerns. He emphasised that local communities must be empowered and given a stronger voice in governance, including through effective autonomous institutions, so that development benefits reach the poorest sections.
Calling for peace and communal harmony, Lucky said violence has only stalled progress in Manipur. “Only peace can bring development. Communities must talk to each other, governments must act fairly, and opportunities must be created so youth can find employment and hope,” he said.
He also highlighted tourism as a major potential sector in Ukhrul, urging both the state and Centre to invest in projects that showcase the district’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
The Congress observer concluded by saying the party hopes the restructuring will strengthen its presence in the district and help it reconnect with people ahead of future political challenges. “Our goal is a strong organisation that stands for development, employment, and harmony for all communities,” he said.
The ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ is part of the Congress party’s nationwide effort to rebuild its grassroots network and prepare for upcoming electoral battles across the country.