Imphal, February 16: Taking grim note of threat posed to the integrity of Manipur emanating from the recent endorsement of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee's (NPCC) election manifesto by the All India Congress Committee which sought integration of all Naga inhabited contiguous areas under a single administrative unit, a peoples' convention held today at Kangla Hall here has resolved to fight against all challenges and threats to integrity of Manipur collectively by all the communities and ethnic groups of the State.

The convention on "Voice of the People on the Issues of the Territorial Integrity" organised under the aegis of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) also resolved to build up a united front of the North East region in association with the indigenous peoples of the region.

Among others, the convention was attended by UCM president K Lanngamba, AMUCO vice-president KT Rehman, Ng Binoykumar of Senior Citizens, Moulana Sahid Ahmad of Jamet Ulama Manipur, Chandra Haomei of Zeliangrong Union Imphal Zone, Prof Rose Mangshi of Kuki Mothers' Association, senior citizen Arambam Lokendro and Kakomlunglu Kamei of Kabui Mothers' Association as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, leaders of different communities and organisations strongly condemned the statement of AICC secretary Sidharth Patil which endorsed the NPCC's election manifesto.

The manifesto seeks to implement the 16 Point Agreement in totality which includes a controversial clause on integration of all Naga inhabited areas.

They also called upon the people to fight back 'the divide and rule policy' of the Central Government instead of remaining silent victims of such divisive policy.

Speaking at the convention, AMUCO vicepresident KT Rehman rued that the since the sovereign kingdom of Manipur was merged into Indian Union, several issues and crisis have been plaguing the Manipuri society.

As it was set up with the primary objective of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur, AMUCO would not make any compromise on issues threatening the unity and integrity of the State, Rehman asserted.

To protect the integrity, AMUCO will always stand firm with the people, he added.

UCM president K Lanngamba declared that UCM will face any threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur resulting from the existing ceasefire between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.

The UCM will defeat any conspiracy hatched by any power to disintegrate Manipur, he asserted.

He stated that the people of Manipur and the UCM will thwart any attempt of the 'double-standard' AICC aimed at fragmenting Manipur.

He also asked the native Ministers and MLAs reportedly conspiring to disintegrate Manipur to cease their diabolic activities immediately.

In case the issue snowballs into a major crisis, the conspirators should bear all the responsibility for any unwanted eventuality, Lanngamba warned.