UCM protests unsolved border issue
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 21 2022: While demanding resolution of the issues surrounding border pillar no.79 to 102 along the Indo-Myanmar border at the earliest, United Committee Manipur (UCM) organised a protest demonstration in front of Western Gate of Kangla here on Tuesday.

The Committee also called for halting all border fencing works immediately.

During the protest, volunteers of UCM, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) and Meira Paiba members held placards inscribed with slogans like, "Manipur's land is not for sale", "Manipur's land cannot be given away", "Protect Manipur's territorial integrity", "Declare disputed area along Indo-Myanmar border", "Manipur Government must stop border fencing work along disputed Indo Myanmar border immediately", etc.

The protestors also shouted slogans such as "Save Manipur's territorial integrity", "Long live Manipur", etc., and then attempted to take out a rally till the CM's Bungalow.

However, they were intercepted by police, resulting in a brief scuffle.

Speaking to newspersons regarding the protest, UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam informed that around 1 to 3 km of Manipur's land from border pillar no.79 to 102 along Indo-Myanmar border have been lost.

As there is dispute in the demarcation of border, memorandums were submitted to CM N Biren and Union MoS RK Ranjan with request for halting all fencing works including security fencing or other types until the issues are resolved.

The CM had assured of halting the work, while MoS RK Ranjan reassured of verifying the disputed areas by October.

Urging the authorities concerned not to play with people's sentiments by stopping the fencing works only when the people agitate and continue the works when there is no agitation; the UCM president cautioned the au thorities against becoming the people's enemy.

He continued that Kabaw Valley, which originally belonged to Manipur, was given away to Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) by India.

This was huge loss to Manipur but not to India as India took over Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Thus, CM Biren and MoS RK Ranjan should work in accordance with the wishes of the people while also keeping this policy tactic of India in mind.

Urging CM Biren and MoS RK Ranjan to stand by their words, Joychandra cautioned that failing to do so could lead to a mass movement.

He then urged for updating the people with the efforts taken up till date to resolve the disputes, failing which various forms of agitations could be launched.

Informing that around 1000 people were supposed to take part in the protest, the UCM president said that if both the CM and the Union MoS continue to stay silent, over 5000 people will be ready to protest in the following days.

UCM will continue to fight for protecting the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur, he reminded, while adding that there are many who are even ready to sacrifice their life to protect Manipur's territory.

UCM general secretary Ngangom Deba, who also took part in the protest, stated that Tuesday's protest could be regarded as a form of warning to the government, to follow and act in accordance with the wishes of the people of Manipur.

If the government fails to respect the people's wishes, UCM along with the people will launch intense agitations, he warned.

Comment