Rahul's Chibai wins hearts

- Feathers in his cap

KHELEN THOKCHOM

Rahul Gandhi, in a traditional headgear, waves to his supporters during an election rally in Churachandpur on Thursday. (Reuters) Churachandpur, April 3 : Rahul Gandhi today not only charmed the crowd with his young looks but also won their hearts by assuring them that the territory of Manipur would not be disturbed. “There will not be any change in the territorial integrity of Manipur. I can assure you that,” Rahul told a cheering 3,000-strong crowd at Tuibong Peace Ground on the outskirts of Churachandpur town this afternoon. Safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur is one of the main election agendas of almost all the political parties. The Congress general secretary flew in here by chopper from Aizawl and went back to Delhi after addressing the election rally for Thangso Baite, the Congress candidate in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, scheduled to go the polls on April 16. Manipur’s territorial integrity is an emotive issue with the people as the NSCN (I-M) has staked its claim to four of the state’s districts since these are mainly inhabited by Nagas. The NSCN (I-M)’s vision of “Nagalim” encompasses these areas and some others in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Eighteen persons died in 2001 during protests against the extension of jurisdiction of the government-NSCN (I-M) ceasefire into Manipur. Braving the scorching heat and a statewide bandh, people started gathering at the venue two hours ahead of Rahul’s arrival, giving him a standing ovation as he stepped off the chopper. “Rahul Gandhi zindabad, Sonia Gandhi zindabad, Congress party zindabad,” the crowd shouted as he waved from the dais. Thangso Baite. Picture by K. Bipin Sharma Attired in his trademark white kurta pyjama and a black tribal vest, Rahul immediately won the hearts of the gathering by saying “Chivai (namaste in Kuki-Chin-Mizo dialect)”, before he started his 10-minute speech. “I came here at 10am to see him. I am told he is handsome and indeed he is. I did not regret my nearly three-hour wait for him,” said Helhing Vaiphei, a 41-year-old tribal woman. Girl students as young as 13 turned up to have a glimpse of the scion of the Gandhi family. Rahul started his speech by announcing that he had a special interest in the land and people of the Northeast. “The most important thing is the Congress treats all religions equally and we should remember that during the five-year rule the UPA proved itself to be a government of the poor and common man by giving each and every one in rural areas 100 days job in a year.” The government had also given the citizens the right to information and India should move forward by coming together, he said. Stating that the UPA valued the people of Manipur and its culture, Rahul said handing over of Kangla fort back to the people showed the UPA’s concern about Manipur. He said setting up of a central university and making HIV control programme a success would be significant achievements for the state and promised to be back to address more election rallies. The crowd, however, was thinner than the one that gathered to hear his mother Sonia Gandhi address an election rally here in February 2007. “I am not satisfied with the crowd size. Many turned away because the security personnel did not allow them to carry mobile phones, bags and umbrellas,” said Thangso Baite, the candidate. However, they were later allowed to take their mobile phones and other personal belongings. Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, PCC president Gaikhangam, ministers and MLAs attended the rally. Ibobi Singh highlighted his government’s achievements and assured the gathering that his government would withdrew the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act once the situation improved.