Congress Leaders Reflect on the Prosperous Period of Manipur Under PM Manmohan Singh

Imphal, Dec 29 (NationPress) Congress leaders in Manipur on Sunday recognized that Manipur experienced a ‘Golden Era’ from 2004 to 2014 during the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.

The state Congress President, Keisham Meghachandra Singh, noted that this period was a defining moment in the history of Manipur.

In a solemn gathering at Congress Bhavan, senior Congress figures, including Meghachandra Singh and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who served three terms from 2002 to 2017, paid their respects to Manmohan Singh during a “condolence meeting.”

Dr Manmohan Singh, a distinguished economist, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Following a decline in his health, he was hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi and was cremated with full state honors at Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat on Saturday.

Meghachandra Singh emphasized that Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister represented the golden era of modern Manipur in the 21st century.

“The narrative of modern Manipur in the 21st Century will include the legacy of Dr Manmohan Singh, while his story will intertwine with the future chapters of Manipur's history,”

the state Congress chief stated.

He highlighted 38 significant initiatives, projects, and contributions made by the former Prime Minister.

These achievements include the transition of the iconic Kangla Fort to state government control in 2004, addressing the long-held aspirations of the Manipuri people, the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 from seven Assembly segments in greater Imphal, the construction of the state capital project, the elevation of Manipur University to a Central University in 2005, and the upgrading of Imphal Airport to Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in 2013, among others.

Former Chief Minister Ibobi Singh fondly recalled Manmohan Singh's substantial contributions to both Manipur and the nation.

He recounted a critical moment in the early 2000s when Manipur faced significant economic challenges.

Despite the BJP being in power at the national level, Manmohan Singh facilitated a crucial meeting for Ibobi Singh with the then Finance Minister, aiding in the resolution of the state's economic issues.

“He also initiated policies to attract industries to our state; however, these initiatives seem forgotten now,”

Ibobi Singh remarked, adding, “Manmohan Singh genuinely cared for the people of Manipur and worked relentlessly to ensure economic stability in the region.”

Ibobi Singh further highlighted Manmohan Singh’s international reputation, referring to him as a leader who was both admired and respected by intellectuals and politicians around the globe.

“People often say he was quiet, but he was a man of action who delivered results with compassion. Despite his reserved demeanor, he was never hesitant to engage with the media, always treating journalists with respect,”

the former Prime Minister noted.