Beleagured Manipur CM collapses during function

Imphal, Nov 30 (UNI) A visibly tired and beleagured Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh collapsed during the inaugural function of a flyover here early today.

The Chief Minister had barely finished addressing the inaugural function of the Bir Tikendrajit flyover when he began to collapse.

His voice was low. After saying 'Jai Hind' he did not move and again repeated 'Jai Hind'.

People gathered there thought he was collecting the documents after completing his speech. One of his security guards saw him collapsing, rushed to his side and helped him down.

Immediately after being provided first aid, he regained consciousness and was lifted to a sofa. He was then rushed to his official residence in his car.

Ambulances later reached his residence at Babupara, Imphal. His wife O Landhoni, an MLA, who was also attending the function, rushed in. There was chaos at the function as Mr Singh was taken away.

Official sources said Mr Singh was not well when he was addressing the gathering.

The Chief Minister, facing revolt from about 16 Congress MLAs, including state party president Gaikhangam and senior Cabinet minister Th Debendra, was extremely tired due to the political developments during the past one month. The dissidents are presently in New Delhi demanding his ouster.

The Congress enjoys a strength of 31 in a House of sixty.

Sources said Mr Singh had spent sleepless nights during the last few days.

There was, however, no official confirmation about his health.

Doctors were attending to him at his residence.

Earlier, addressing the gathering Mr Singh appealed to the people to help the government take up developmental work. He said frequent bandhs, brief working season, disturbances by unwanted elements, legal problems and non-availability of materials caused obstruction to work.

Incidentally, Speaker Dr S Buddhichandra and MLA and former Director of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences(RIMS) Dr Ng Bijoy were also attending the function.

Governor Dr S S Sidhu continued addressing the gathering.

UNI