Imphal : Chief Minister N Biren Singh today urged the people of the state to take the pledge of strengthening the integrity and unity of the country by following the ideals of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Speaking at the observance of Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas (National Re-dedication Day) in Imphal, Biren said that the people need to further strengthen the integrity of the country and uplift the living standard of our people

The observance, as done across the country, was held to mark the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi.

“We should also put in more efforts by concentrating more on bringing equal development in all sections of the society so that we may achieve advancement at par with the developed countries,” said Biren.

The late PM Indira Gandhi ordered military action against the militants holed up inside the Golden Temple, which led to her assassination by her own bodyguards on this day in 1984, the CM added.

“It must be so tough to take such a decision because she had to choose between the nation’s security and the sanctity of a religious place,” observed Biren.

He said that every community irrespective of any religion or caste should try to maintain peace because development is possible only when there is peace and tranquility.

Mentioning about armed movements prevalent in some parts of the country, Biren observed that peaceful negotiation is the only solution because violence only creates misunderstanding among different communities.

Deputy CM Y Joykumar Singh said that even though Indira is no more, her sacrifices for the country and high ideals are still remembered by one and all.

Joykumar opined that all those who have come forward to serve the people as public leaders should possess sacrificial spirit.

What is being witnessed today in the country as development is possible only because of the sacrifices made by the past leaders, added the deputy CM.