The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Sunday inducted 11 new members from different Assembly constituencies into the Indian National Congress during a reception programme attended by senior party leaders. The new entrants said they had joined the party with the aim of contributing to the restoration, peace and development of Manipur.
The induction programme was presided over by MPCC president and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who welcomed the new members and said they had joined the Congress with conviction and a commitment to work for rebuilding the state. He expressed confidence that the new entrants would strengthen the organisation and serve the interests of the people.
Those inducted into the party included Th Oxford Singh from Thongju, Longjam Suranjoy Singh from Keirao, Yengkhom Sanjeep Singh from Thangmeiband, Laishram Sashibhushan from Uripok, B Sarat Sharma and Th Brinda Devi from Yaiskul, Kh Devendro Singh and Kh Gambhir Singh from Sekmai, and Md Nasir Khan, M Anwar Hussain and Col Mohd Sahir Khan from Lilong.
Among the new members was former police officer Th Brinda Devi, who said she joined the Congress because she believed it was the only political party capable of addressing the challenges currently facing Manipur. She alleged that the state’s economic condition had deteriorated, democratic institutions had weakened and unemployment had risen significantly. Referring to the ethnic violence that began in 2023, she claimed the conflict had continued due to the role of the government and said the state administration should take responsibility for resolving the situation. Brinda had contested the 2022 Manipur Assembly election from the Yaiskul constituency but was defeated by BJP candidate and current Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Ibobi Singh recalled the Congress party’s role in India’s freedom movement and said many of its leaders had endured imprisonment during the struggle for independence. He said the party had continued to contribute to the country’s development after independence through progress in science, technology and economic reforms, adding that this legacy continued to inspire people to join the organisation.
He further said more people were expected to join the Congress in the coming days and that the party would organise similar induction programmes in phases. He urged the newly inducted members to work with dedication for the welfare and progress of Manipur.
