Manipur observes 15th Integrity Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04, 2012: In commemoration of the largest ever mass rally staged in the history of Manipur on August 1997, the 15th Integrity Day was observed today at MDU Hall here under the aegis of the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO).

Before the main event began at MDU Hall, people offered floral tributes at Integrity Pillar located in front of Mapal Kangjeibung.

The observance was graced as presidium members by AMUCO president KT Rahaman, Irabot Foundation president Thounaojam Iboyaima, Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup president Memchoubi, All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee president Md Pheirudin Shah, Kuki Mothers' Association president Rose Mangshi and Kabui Mothers' Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei.

Addressing the function which was attended by leaders of several organisations and people coming from different parts of Manipur, IPSA president Johnson, UCM president Y Nabachandra, social scientist Dhanabir Laishram and COHR chairman Phulindro Konsam asserted that the integrity of Manipur cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

People of Manipur are fully aware that some elements have been consistently scheming to Districtrt the integrity of Manipur and create divisions among the ethnic groups of the State.

The Government of India by applying the divide and rule policy it allegedly inherited from British colonial masters has been conspiring to create discord and Districtust among the peoples of the North East region, particularly Manipur.

And the Government of India is being assisted by some people who are only seeking political advantage for themselves, they alleged.

Social worker Thounaojan Iboyaima leads in offering floral tribute at the Integrity Pillar Pix :: Bunti Phurailatpam

However, the time-tested integrity of Manipur cannot be Districtrted by such ploys and conspiracies.

They further called upon all the people of Manipur to understand the essence of observing Integrity Day and work together to build collective spirit of the mass.

In his address, AMUCO president KT Rahaman stated that repeated attempts of the Government of Nagaland to encroach into the territory of Manipur have become hurdles on the path of development for both the hills and valley of Manipur.

The intensified demand to create Eastern Nagaland is not a sign of giving equal status politically and economically to the minority communities by larger communities of Nagaland like the Aos, Angamis, Sumis etc.

Under such situation, it is not in the interest of the Naga people of Manipur for a handful of Naga leaders to follow an anti-Manipur policy based on their hidden political agenda.

Encouraged by the Government of India's divide and rule policy, apart from Nagas, Kukis too have started demanding a separate homeland.

But the demand has certain ambiguity as it is not clear whether the projected Kuki homeland should be carved out from Burma or Manipur.

Kuki immigrants from Burma who have been migrating to Manipur incessantly are being allowed in different parts of the State.

The State administration has been virtually giving permission to the Kuki immigrants to settle in the reserved forest area of 1467 square kilometres which otherwise a single leave cannot be plucked.

Moreover, the immigrants have made extensive settlements in the proposed reserved forest areas.

In addition to occupying large tracts of waste lands, they also possess pattas.

By giving free hand to the immigrants, the State Government has been paving a road which would lead to violent confrontation among the people of Manipur, Rahaman asserted.

Highlighting the need to have understanding and shared vision among the people, the AMUCO president suggested establishment of bicameral legislative council so that all the ethnic groups including even the smallest ones have their representatives in the State's highest law-making body.

Integrity Day was also observed at Jiribam under the aegis of All Jiribam United Clubs' Association (AJUCA) at All Jiribam Meira Paibi (AJMP) office.

The observance programme was graced by S Sushila, President of AJMP; L Shantikumar, president of AJUCA; and Th Jini, president of Jiri Ima Meira Paibee Apunba Lup (JIMPAL) as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively while N Nibharani, president of WACAC also shared the dais.

Speakers at the observance function called on the public to remain alert over the never ending threats of the integrity of the State.

They urged the public to join hands in countering any threat to the State integrity.