MLA Meghachandra also informed that MPCC has banned any party members, be it from its district level, block level, unit committees or frontal organisations, from issuing any press release or statements on the matter, even if it is in their own capacity.
TFM Report
The Congress on Tuesday urged the Manipur government to take a clear stand on the Mount Koubru issue, while banning its members from issuing any statement on the “sensitive” issue without the approval of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.
MPCC vice president MLA K Meghachandra, briefing the media online, asserted that it was the sole responsibility of the state government to settle the matter and protect Mount Koubru, so that no “untoward incidents” do not occur in the state.
MLA Meghachandra also informed that MPCC has banned any party members, be it from its district level, block level, unit committees or frontal organisations, from issuing any press release or statements on the matter, even if it is in their own capacity.
He also clarified that a press release by the Sadar Hills Youth Congress Committee was not a decision of the party and was not official.
Stating that Congress believes in secularism, the Congress leader asserted that the state government should acknowledge the sensitivity of the issue and resolve it so that it does not lead to any communal tension.
He also warned that the alleged agreement signed between a committee and two ministers of the government might create more problems in the future. The agreement, he said, has created an “unnecessary” problem which did not exist earlier.
The government should not doublespeak and try to appease a community while enraging others, he asserted.
MLA Meghachandra also appreciated the recent mass tree plantation drive and added that the Congress party also has its own plan. Protecting and preserving reserved forest is our collective responsibility, he added.
MPCC general secretary Hareshwar Goshwami also acknowledged that the issue is sensitive and added that Mount Koubru is sacred to many communities of the state like Kabui, Mao, Maram, Kom, Koireng, Chiru, amongst others. Apart from this, Mount Koubru is regarded as one of the most important Gods by the Meiteis, he said and appealed to all for an amicable solution agreed upon by all the communities.
Meanwhile, responding to a TFM query, the MPCC general secretary maintained that there was no discussion and did not give any approval to the removal of the Khabak (rods) from the jaws of the two replicas of Kanglasha at the sacred Kangla Fort. Leader of opposition is a member of the Kangla Fort Board — the chief minister is the chairman of the board.