M Ibotombi remembered on death anniversary Dialogue is the way forward : Ibobi

Our Correspondent
THOUBAL, Dec 7: Meaningful dialogues and attempts to plug differences must be the way forward to restore peace and foster coexistence in Manipur, former Chief Minister and Opposition leader Okram Ibobi said today.
The Congress leader said this during the 31st death anniversary of Moirangthem Ibotombi held at the memorial complex built in his memory at Heirok Part-II Mayai Leikai.
Moirangthem Ibotombi was a former Minister from Heirok and was gunned down by two unknown persons at his own home on December 7, 1994.
The death anniversary, organised by Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Charitable Trust Heirok, was attended by Moirangthem ongbi Ibemhal, the wife of late the Minister, Sugnu AC MLA K Ranjit, Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwor and many other Congress leaders.
The gathering paid floral tributes to the photo of the late Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said violence has not and will not resolve any issue.
He recalled that the former Minister was mercilessly killed and it has been a big loss for the society.
Apparently talking about the violent conflict that has plagued Manipur since May 3, 2023, the former Chief Minister said violence has no place in the society.
"When we choose violence, it will cloud our future. It will not resolve any issue but promote enmity among us," Ibobi said.
Any differences between the people and communities must be resolved through peaceful and meaningful dialogues, he said.
A man who can't admit to his fault and beg for forgiveness sincerely is a coward, he added.
For peace to return to Manipur and foster coexistence, Ibobi said, the conflicting parties must choose dialogue instead of violence and sit together to address the differences.
In connection with the death anniversary observance, monthly pension money was distributed to 2,300 beneficiaries including senior citizens, widows and differently abled persons. 200 men and women donated blood at a camp organised as part of the memorial day, observed on the theme "Live and Let's Live".