Tributes paid to M Ibotombi

Our Correspondent
THOUBAL, Dec 7:  Former Minister late Moirangthem Ibotombi was remembered today with many including ex-Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, ex-Deputy CM Gaikhangam and MPCC president M Okendro paying floral tributes.
The 25th memorial observance of the former Minister was organised by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust at Divine Life Club Ground, Heirok Part -II, Mayai Leikai.
The gathering also observed two minutes silence for the departed soul of M Rameshwar, former secretary of the Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust.
Speaking at the event, ex-Chief Minister O Ibobi called for peace and harmony in the State and urged all to stand firm against violence, human rights violation and killing of innocent people.
"Taking someone's life for whatever alleged crime he/she committed is no justice. We are here on earth for a short period of time. We should learn to love one another," he said.
Expressing the need for all in the State to unite, he said that valley people are same as hill people. "We must share what we have and co-exist peacefully. Enmity and violence will not solve any problem," he added.
Moirangthem Ibotombi believed in peaceful coexistence of all, he said urging all to spread the message of love and brotherhood.
Talking about what Moirangthem Ibotombi advocated during his lifetime, ex-Deputy CM Gaikhangam said that people should have the courage to stand openly and firmly against violence and killings.
"People now fear for their lives when standing against evil. They are afraid to raise their voice for fear of consequences that may follow. When we shed this fear and stand strong, there will be peace and truth," he said.
MPCC president M Okendro, son of late M Ibotombi, said that the trust set up in the name of his father has been working towards development and closing gaps between the people in Heirok.
The trust aims to elevate living standard of poor in Heirok. It has been providing monthly pension of Rs 200, donated by generous people of Heirok, to 1,582 including widows, senior citizens and poor etc. The trust has also been providing monetary aids to meritorious students of Heirok, he added.
The memorial was observed with the aim to promote peace, strengthen bonds between different communities for positive changes and development, Okendro said.
Dr RK Rajen Singh (Department of Transfusion Medicine , RIMS) and Association for Voluntary Blood Donor Manipur, Thoubal branch Joint Secretary Shyamkumar Ningthouja also attended a blood donation camp held at the venue.
The camp was jointly organised by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Trust in association with Department of Transfusion Medicine RIMS, State Blood Cell and National Health Mission Manipur.
Ex-MLAs, DDC and BCC members and locals attended the observance.