Rahul Gandhi heading for rousing welcome at Churachandpur

By M Kaimuanthang

Churachandpur, Apr 2 : With regards to the proposed maiden visit of Rahul Gandhi, general secretary of the AICC to Churachandpur to campaign for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha election candidate Thangso Baite, a team of ministers and MLAs paid a visit to Churachandpur today from around 2 pm.

Rahul is slated to address a huge gathering at Tuibuang peace ground at around 12.20 pm tomorrow.

The team of VIPs included minister for power, horticulture and soil conservation, and science and technology T Phungzathang, works minister Ranjit, minister for IPR and PHED TN Haokip, MPCC president Gaikhangam, MLAs L Jayenta, Ngamthang, T Manga Vaiphei, K Govindas, Ngursanglur apart from minister for social welfare Loken. They were accompanied by an official of the AICC, Ved Prakash, who is in-charge for the state of Manipur.

Soon after reaching the town they inspected the physical arrangements related to the visit and held a meeting at the residence of Dongzakai of the district Congress committee located at Thangzam road at about 2 pm.

At the meeting Ved Prakash said that during the last visit of Sonia Gandhi she was overwhelmed by the response from the public of Churachandpur who turned out at the same ground in large numbers to listen to her.

He also said that the result of that enthusiasm was seen by one and all as all the Congress candidates were successful in the elections that followed.

Stating that the Congress (I) works with a mission, he said Rahul`s visit should be published widely in the press.

Rahul has taken his own decision to visit the state and being young and energetic the steps he had taken to visit the state were to be appreciated, he said while adding that it was not something that was only related to the election but   also for bringing something good for the people of the state.

As per the programme, Rahul will addrress the crowd which is estimated to be about 30,000 to 50,000 strong at the Peace Ground from about 12.20 pm. The organisers have informed the public to occupy their respective seats latest by 11 am.

The district police SP has chalked out temporary traffic arrangements and all vehicles from Churachandpur to Imphal will be diverted towards the SP Churachandpur office road, Songgel village and come out on the national highway.

Similarly, vehicles from Imphal side will be diverted from Bethel towards Songgel, DC Churachandpur office and then to NH-150.

The diversion will be effective from 10 am tomorrow morning till the meeting is over.

The SP`s order has also said that no one will be allowed to bring bags, moblies, arms or weapons, lathis, bottles, water bottles, match boxes, cameras etc to the  site of the election rally.