IT News
Imphal, Oct 10:
Amidst ongoing speculation of internal issues between the National People’s Party (NPP) leadership and its seven elected MLAs in Manipur, two former NPP leaders officially joined the Indian National Congress (INC) today at an event held at Congress Bhavan, Imphal. The event saw the participation of L Jayantakumar, ex-MLA and former NPP candidate from Keishamthong Assembly Constituency, and O Romen Singh, former NPP candidate from Singjamei Assembly Constituency. They were welcomed into the party by key Congress figures, including former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, former MLA Gaikhangam, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President K. Megchandra, and Thokchom Lokeshwar, MLA Khundrakpam AC.
Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh expressed his frustration about the central government’s way of handling the current Manipur crisis during the reception ceremony. He opined that this prolonged crisis might be a concern due to a lack of determination or even a possible hidden agenda on the part of the government, which has created the question of what the intentions of this government are.
Ibobi Singh expressed confidence that the crisis in Manipur can be resolved as he said every problem has a solution. He expressed optimism that even the central government holds a right role in solving the conflict with a right will and determination that issue could be settled quickly. “The Indian Government having fourth largest military strength globally has been unable to resolve the conflict in Manipur, which is very unfortunate” he said.
He further stressed that no requisition from the community for a separate administration from the rest can be listened to and accepted by the central government, citing territorial integrity and historical value as the most pertinent reasons in the case of Manipur.
In addition to the two leaders, several others also joined the Congress during the event. These included A Okendra Singh, former Zilla Parishad Member from Khurai AC, L Dhiren Singh, social worker from Andro AC, Th John Singh, former Secretary and President of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of AMTUC and AMGEO, Wangkhei AC, L Gyanendro Singh, former councillor from Ward No 15 in Singjamei AC, RK Sachi Singh, former councillor from Ward No 17 in Singjamei AC, O Nilachand Singh, member of Ward No 17 in Singjamei AC, and L Romen Singh, member of Ward No 16 in Singjamei AC.
The programme was also attended by several Congress leaders, MLAs, and executive members.