Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 15:
The All Manipur College Joint Action Committee has convened an emergency meeting of its constituent units tomorrow at 10.30 am at the DM College of Science in connection with the peace rally it is planning to organize from Imphal to Mao on July 18 next.
Consequent to appeals by the Naga People�s Organization, NPO, Senapati and other sections not to take out rally at this juncture, the committee has also sought the opinion of the general public in this respect.
Briefing the press, AMCJA spokesman Ph Uttrajit said the proposed rally is primarily aimed at restoration of an academic atmosphere which had been vitiated by the ceasefire controversy.
The AMCJAC believed that a frank exchange of views and clearing of misunderstandings would pave the way to peace in the state, he said.
He added the AMCJAC on its part had no fear or suspicions of the hill people, and the rally was being organized in the spirit of love and friendship.
The JAC spokesman also recalled that in its resolution of July 7 last, the committee had resolved to seek the postponement of exams being conducted by Manipur University till after July 31, to mobilize the public throughout the state with a wall poster campaign for restoration of academic atmosphere, and lastly for a voluntary silent peace rally.
On the other hand the Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Imphal, has appealed to the committee to reconsider the decision to take out the its proposed rally, in the interest of all communities.
Counseling against taking a hasty decision at this juncture of so many misunderstandings, it observed that it wouldn�t be very conducive to organize such proposed peace rally from Imphal to Mao on 18th July 2001 by the AMCJAC.
The TKLI at the same time expressed appreciation and support to all communities, individual and organizations in maintaining peace, harmony and restraining from communal flare up.