Manipur Congress leaders hail Manmohan Singh's contribution to development in state

Manipur Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, Okram Ibobi Singh, on December 29 hailed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his key contributions to the development in Northeast, particularly Manipur, during his 10-year term.

Speaking to reporters, the CLP leader recalled the former PM's deep affection for Manipur, noting that he accorded the special category status to the state.

"This support led to the construction of a new assembly, high court building, and civil secretariat. Infrastructure in the hill districts was also developed, with district hospitals and power sub-stations built during Manmohan Singh's tenure," he added.

State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra also acknowledged Singh's contributions, emphasising that he will be remembered in Manipur’s history for being the first PM to lift the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state. "The lifting of AFSPA from seven assembly segments and the return of Kangla Fort from the Assam Rifles to the people of Manipur were significant milestones, fulfilling long-standing demands," he added.

Earlier, Congress leaders and workers paid floral tributes to Singh during a "condolence meeting" held at the Congress Bhavan.