Imphal, August 04: The 8th Manipur Integrity Day was observed today in commemoration of the mass public rally taken out under the aegis of All Manipur United Clubs� Organisation (AMUCO) pledging to protect and safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur in 1997 on this day.

The 8th Manipur Integrity Day function was held at the hall of Manipur Dramatic Union, Yaiskul Police Lane with AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng along with many other leaders of various communities as presidium members.

The theme of the funciton this year was �Integrity of Manipur can be protected by its people alone�.

Before the main function began at MDU hall, AMUCO advisor Th Iboyaima led the people in paying homage and offering tributes at the Integrity Pillar on the eastern side of Pologround, Imphal.

Speaking at the function, Dr Dhanabir Laishram, who is also one of the advisors of AMUCO, contended that the Government of Manipur cannot protect the territorial integrity of Manipur at all.

In fact it is the Government of India which has been trying to disintegrate Manipur time and again.

He said that the people of Manipur should not feel elated and support the State Government in declaration June 18 as State Integrity Day.

It was the people of Manipur who rose as one and even sacrificed their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur when the Govt failed to do so.

So declaration of State holiday on such a historic day by a Government which could not protect the integrity of Manipur should not be supported, he maintained.

Kabui Mothers� Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei observed that there is nothing wrong in Chief Minister going to hold talks for ending the economic blockade being of ANSAM along the National Highways.

N Anthony Monsang, president of Urumba Liwachaning village, Chandel district pointed out that there should not be any discrimination among the Manipuri people on the basis of caste, creed and religion.

They should extend co-operation and live in peace and harmony.

He also proposed for setting up a committee comprising of representatives of all the communities which would tour all remote parts of the State to understanding the problems being faced by the people living there.

AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng said no one should compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur nor AMUCO support any form of economic blockade.

Inspite of having taken various resolutions by the State Assembly for protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur, the Centre remains unconcern, he rued.

A large number of people from different parts of the State were present at the occasion.