CWC passes condolence resolutions on loss of lives in Himachal disaster, Manipur violence

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 16 : The Congress Working Committee on Saturday passed a condolence resolution and expressed grief to the people of Himachal Pradesh which suffered massive destruction due to the recurrent landslides and heavy rainfall adding that the centre should provide financial assistance to the state to rebuild its infrastructure which got damaged in the state.
"Congress Working Committee expresses its deepest condolences and extends its solidarity to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the untimely loss of innocent lives due to unprecedented rain and devastating floods and landslides. About 430 people have died, 39 are missing, a large number of farmers have lost their crops, at least 12,00 homes have been destroyed and the state has suffered huge losses in terms of destruction of property and critical infrastructure. The total estimated loss to the state is more than Rs 13,000 crore," the resolution read.
The resolution further mentioned that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is fully committed to rebuilding the state and compensating the people for their loss.
"CWC also deeply appreciates the volunteers of the Congress party for their active involvement in the relief and rescue measures. Considering the magnitude and quantum of loss to the people of Himachal Pradesh, the CWC appeals to the Government of India to set aside politics and declare it a national disaster, and provide financial assistance to the state to rebuild its infrastructure and to ensure necessary and adequate assistance to the people of Himachal Pradesh," the resolution read.
A condolence resolution was also passed in the Congress Working Committee on the Manipur violence.
"Congress Working Committee expresses its profound sense of loss and anguish at the ongoing situation of ethnic violence in Manipur. The people of Manipur have witnessed extreme devastation and are facing innumerable hardships. More than 200 lives have been lost, over 500 injured and more than 5000 houses gutted in arson-related incidents. A staggering number of over 60,000 people are displaced and continue to live in dire conditions in relief camps across the state," the resolution read.
"Schools and colleges were closed for nearly three months adversely affecting the education and learning of children and youth in Manipur. The lives and livelihoods of a vast majority of the state across communities are at peril," it added.
Congress Working Committee also passed a condolence resolution expressing grief on the death of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who died on July 18, 2023.
"He was a towering stalwart who represented Puthupally constituency for over 53 years until his death, making him the longest serving member of the Kerala Legislature Assembly. He was a benevolent mass leader and distinguished administrator who devoted his whole life to the service of the people. The large mass of people who turned up for his funeral demonstrated his remarkable connection with the people he served. He will always be remembered for his contributions to the Indian National Congress and the state of Kerala," the resolution read.
"During his long and distinguished political career, he was the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2004 to 2006 and 2011 to 2016, the Leader of the Opposition from 2006 to 2011, and served as a minister in governments led by K. Karunakaran and AK Antony, handling the portfolios of Labour, Finance and Home. Also, he was serving as the General Secretary of AICC at the time of his demise. The CWC conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family members, supporters and his well-wishers all over the country and across the world," it added.
Congress Working Committee meeting is underway in Hyderabad. The party is holding meetings to strategize on the upcoming Assembly elections in the five states.