Sonia urges militants to shun violence, assures teritorial integrity

Imphal, Feb 5 (UNI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi today appealed to all militant groups to shun violence and come to the negotiating table.

Addressing two public meetings at Kadompokpi ground at Thoubal district and another at Hapta Kangjeibung at Imphal west for the coming Assembly, she said the door is always open for all to come forward for talks. But they should first give up their arms, she added.

She said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, was an issue debated in the region. The Congress led government in Manipur had withdrawn it from the seven Assembly constituencies of the state and the Act may be withdrawn from other parts also, Ms Gandhi observed.

Addressing the two meetings, she said the Congress party will never compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur.

She expressed happiness over the presence of large numbers of women during the meetings.

She said the women of the state were exhibiting their skill in various fields and their participation in all walks of life needs to be emulated by other women folk of the country.

In the interest of the youths and women the government will take up schemes for self employment, she assured. She said Mrs Indira Gandhi and Mr Rajiv Gandhi had also addressed public meetings at Manipur and she herself had addressed a public meeting five years ago.

She appealed to the people to support the Congress for the sake of the people. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Congress president Gaikhangam, Congress General Secretary Oscar Fernandes and other Congress leaders were present during the two meetings.

The Thoubal district where she addressed her first meeting has ten assembly segments and will go to polls on February 8 and it is the home constituency of the Chief Minister.

UNI