Imphal, August 02: The United Committee, Manipur has called a dawn to dusk general strike on August S demanding immediate release of all those arrested persons including leaders of AMSU during the movement against the NSCN (IM) ceasefire extension to Manipur.

The general strike will begin at 5 am and conclude at 5 pm.

In a statement the UCM held the Government of India responsible for the deaths and destruction during the agitation.

It said a general strike was called from the midnight of June 15 jointly by several organizations and the movement started during the general-strike led to the death of 18 persons.

Following the democratic movement led by the UCM the Prime Minister announced that the ceasefire extension to Manipur had been withdrawn realizing that it was a wrong step, it said adding that hence the Centre should be held responsible for all these.

Meanwhile the August 4 integrity rally taken out in 1997 will be remembered with a function on August 4 at the Khuman Lampak main stadium.

For the programme, a body called Organizing Committee, Manipur Integrity Day comprising several organizations of different communities have been constituted.

The programme being organized on the theme "Unity, Development and Peace" will be participated be members of different communities in their traditional dresses.

This was decided during a two meeting of leaders of communities.

Talking to reporters the convenor of the Committee and AMUCO president Ito Tongbram has appealed to all sections of the people to take part in the programme.

Floral tributes would be paid at the Integrity Pillar at Pologround and the main function will be held at the Khuman Lampak main stadium.

Tributes would also be paid to alt the 18 persons who have sacrificed their live for territorial integrity of Manipur, he said.

The convenor appealed to organizations not to call any bandh or blockade on this day to allow people including hill people attend the programme.

Leaders of different communities, who were present during the press conference, expressed confidence that such a programme will increase the sense of belongingness and give a chance to all communities, to come closer.

The convenor appealed to transport bodies to suspend the day�s services and extend help to the organizers to make the programme a success.

The organizing committee is comprised of AMUCO, Vaiphei Tribes' Union, UCOUPH Sugnu, Vaiphei National Organization (NEI)-Ccpur, Tedim Chin Union, Simte Tribes' Council, Paite National Council, KIM, ZUCAMV, ZU Imphal, Manipur Peace Committee, Imphal Bazar Committee, Manipur Committee for Social Justice, Kom Rem Union Manipur, Kom Rem Union.

Manipur (NEI), All Manipur Lawyers' Forum, United Zomi Organization, Mizo People's Convention, Mao Cultural Association, AMMWDO, Imphal Tangkhulong-Imphal, UMMO, Phunal Co-op.

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