NDA, and BJP to work closely with patriotic forces in Manipur: Advan

New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the next Lok Sabha elections L K Advani today asserted that the NDA and the BJP would work closely with all patriotic and democratic forces in Manipur to realise to legitimate concerns and aspirations of people in the state.

Taking part in the 'Patriots Day' here Mr Advani said the previous NDA Government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee had taken steps to promote development of North-East for giving a further filip to the 'Look East Policy' promoting peace and cooperation between countries in South East Asia.

"I would like to see new doors of trade, investment and business opened between Manipur and other North-Eastern states and countries in South East Asia", he said adding that Manipur was indeed the gateway to South-East Asia. Greater economic integration with the region will bring prosperity and create employment opportunities, he said.

He recalled the martyrdom of erstwhile Manipur prince Tikendrajit Singh who challenged the British rulers for daring to interfriing in the internal affairs of Manipur in early 1890.

Tikendrajit was supported by his subjects in his patriotic defiance and finally he was captured and hung to death for conspiring in the 'War against British' on this very day in 1891.

People of Manipur were observing this day as patriots day and what the British did to expand their empire in India particiularly in Manipur was 'dishonourable', he said.

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