IMPHAL, Nov 12 � Congress president and chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance Sonia Gandhi during her day-long visit to Manipur today appealed to the people to work together to bring peace and development in the State.
Addressing a public meeting at the historic Kangla Fort ground here after inaugurating the three market sheds (Ima Keithels) in Imphal, Muslim Girls Hostel at Hatta and Tribal market shed at Lambulane and also laying the foundation stones for the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) campus in Senapati and INA Memorial mega project at Moirang at the same venue, Gandhi said it was now time to work together for peace and development and every section of society must get the benefits of various developmental programmes being implemented with the help of the Centre.
The UPA Government at the Centre was firmly committed to taking up development projects in the region, the Congress leader said adding that violence was not the solution and problems could be solved only through dialogue.
She also lauded the performance of the Manipuri sportspersons during the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Gandhi also congratulated five-time women�s boxing champion MC Mary Kom.
Accompanied by Union Minister of State for Tourism and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi, AICC Manipur in-charge Luizihno Falerio, Manipur Pradesh Congress committee president Gaikhangam, Gandhi also inaugurated Rs 350-crore Khuga Multipurpose Project in Churachandpur district soon after arriving from New Delhi by a special aircraft.
Imphal town markets and its roads wore a desolate look during her visit due to the 15-hour strike call given by 17 civil society organisations demanding immediate announcement of the whereabout of the banned UNLF chairman RK Meghen alias Sanayaima.
