Imphal, December 26: Reiterating its pledge to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur, remove imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and ensure rights and justice to the people, the 39th foundation day of Manipur People's Party (MPP) was celebrated at Kwakeithel Tiddim ground here today.

Apart from the speeches by party leaders, which were mainly delivered with an eye on the forthcoming Assembly election, the day's highlight included procession staged from Kangla and offering of floral tributes which were attended by a large number of people.

A good number of the people who turned up for the day are aspiring candidates for the the upcoming Assembly election or waiting in line to be awarded with the party's ticket.

Ahead of the main function held at Kwakeithel Tiddim ground, party president Dr Chandramani hoisted the party flag and flagged off the procession.

The procession concluded at Kwakeithel Tiddim ground, where the main function was held with the party president presiding.

MLAs including O Joy, Nimaichand Luwang, L Sovakiran, Salam Ibohal and other party leaders and representations of frontal organisations were also present at the dais.

Those who spoke at the occasion pledged that MPP would always work in the interest of the people including ensuring removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Dr Nimaichand Luwang charged that after the independence of Manipur was usurped, Congress party has been trying to disintegrate the State by parting off its territory to Nagaland.

It is only for the purpose of stopping this that DRPP, FPM and MPP joined hands to form a new MPP, he said.

Dr Luwang pointed out that the agreement which Congress party had signed with the then United Naga Integration Council in 1972 conceded to the demand for Naga integration.

On top of this, Congress MLAs and two MPs submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister extending their support to the Naga integration movement.

In such a situation, the claim of the Congress that it would safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur is complete hogwash, he said.

On the other hand, BJP is not to be trusted on this point as people have already witnessed how it went ahead in extending the ceasefire fire agreement between the NSCN (I-M) and India Government to the soil of Manipur in 2001.On the growing demand for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, Dr Luwang categorically stated that whether the Centre agrees to it or not, MPP would surely lift imposition of the draconian Act from Manipur and save the life of Sharmila who has been fasting in protest for more than six years now over the same demand, if it (MPP) is elected to power.

MLA O Joy reiterated that the main objective of MPP is to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, remove AFSPA and ensure rights and justice to the people.

In the light of the fact that the leader of Naga rebel group which has been trying to disintegrate Manipur is preparing to visit Nagaland and the Congress is going to encourage such destructive elements, people of Manipur should alert, Joy said.

People should understand that it is MPP which Congress dubs as one whose writ does not extent beyond Sekmai, that would shake up not only India, but entire world, Joy added.