Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Keisham Meghachandra Singh today paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary and reaffirmed the relevance of Gandhian ideals in addressing the present challenges faced by the country and the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Keisham Meghachandra Singh described Mahatma Gandhi’s life as a living embodiment of truth, non-violence, compassion and moral courage. He said that in today’s troubled times, Gandhiji’s message reminds society that hatred cannot defeat hatred and that violence can never bring lasting peace. He added that the ideals of Ahimsa, unity and justice continue to guide India and the world towards harmony and human dignity, and called upon people to collectively work towards building a society based on peace, equality and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, Keisham Meghachandra Singh strongly criticised the state government over the continued delay in the resettlement of internally displaced persons. Referring to the recent statement by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel that the government aims to resettle ten thousand internally displaced families, comprising more than forty thousand displaced persons, by March two thousand twenty-six, Keisham said the government has repeatedly failed to ensure timely and dignified rehabilitation.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, he said that despite repeated assurances, thousands of displaced families continue to live in uncertainty. He stated that the prolonged delay in resettlement reflects a lack of urgency and sensitivity towards the humanitarian crisis in Manipur. He further said that although the government claims to be regularly apprising the public about progress, the ground reality tells a different story, with many displaced persons still languishing in relief camps without adequate facilities, security, livelihood support or a clear roadmap for permanent rehabilitation.
Keisham maintained that announcements and targets cannot substitute concrete action and asserted that the people of Manipur deserve transparency, accountability and a time-bound resettlement plan that restores dignity and normalcy to the lives of internally displaced persons. He added that continued neglect of this humanitarian responsibility is unacceptable and that the government must be held accountable for its failure to protect and rehabilitate its own people.
Earlier, Congress Legislature Party leader O. Ibobi Singh also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and said that the Congress party remains firmly committed to Gandhiji’s timeless principles, which continue to guide the nation even in present times.