Ibobi calls for end to cultureof violence in Manipur

Former Manipur chief minister and senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday stressed the urgent need to destroy the prevailing culture of violence, warning that embracing violence would only lead society towards a path with no future, hope or progress.
Speaking at an event in Thoubal district, the three-time chief minister reiterated that ending the violent culture amid the ongoing crisis of more than two-and-a-half years must be everybody’s responsibility. “Everyone must make an effort toward harmony for a secure and prosperous society,” he said, noting that violence had never brought a solution. Citing instances of major violence and killings in Manipur, India and across the world, Ibobi maintained that none had ever yielded good for society. He urged people to work together to build a harmonious society where all communities live with dignity.
He further asserted that Manipur could become a truly peaceful state if every individual, irrespective of community, chose to resolve issues through peaceful dialogue. “Killing one another is not inherent to human nature. Let’s resolve the conflict without violence,” he added.
The event marked the 31st death anniversary of state Congress leader and former minister Moirangthem Ibotombi Singh, who was tragically killed at his home on December 7, 1994. The Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Charitable Trust has been organizing the memorial programme annually at the Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Complex in Heirok Part-II.
This year’s observance was held under the theme “Hingsi Amadi Hinghansi (Let’s live and live together)” with a blood donation camp and pension disbursement to senior citizens, widows and differently-abled persons as highlights. Over 2,300 beneficiaries received pensions, while 200 youths donated blood.
Apart from Ibobi Singh, sitting and former Congress MLAs and party leaders attended the programme as dignitaries.