Imphal, July 22: Taking a tough stand, International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) has stated that the State Government should not withdraw its June 18 declaration despite the imposition of indefinite economic blockade a thousand times.

If the State Government retracts its stand, it would seen as being party with those elements which are trying to disintegrate Manipur and invite a more ferocious movement than the one witnessed on June 18, 2001, IPSA secretary general Elangbam Johnson said in a statement today.

This possibility should not be taken very likely by those who are in power now, he cautioned.

Asserting that the declaration of State holiday on June 18 was not in favour of any one particular communities living in Manipur, IPSA reminded that 18 people laid down their lives for the cause of protecting the integrity of Manipur.

It is rather disappointing to note that ANSAM failed to acknowledge this fact, Johnson added.

While appreciating the efforts being made by Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing for bring about a solution to end the present economic blockade, Johnson, however, categorically stated that any attempt to sideline the Chief Minister who is the head of an elected Govt and rope in the Governor to hold the talks with the agitators would not be taken likely by IPSA.

Though IPSA do not believe that the Governor would meddle into the affairs of a popular Govt, nonetheless, if such a thing ever occur, then possibility of Manipuri people directing their wrath to the Governor could not be ruled out.