Imphal, August 04: Thousands of people from all walks of life and cutting across community lines converged at the Khuman Lampak main stadium for the 4th Integrity Day function and pledged to protect the territorial integrity of the State as one people not divided along any communal lines.

Thousands of people from the length and breadth of the State started steaming into the stadium braving the hot August sun from early morning and as the day progressed, the numbers swelled by the minutes.

Twenty eight individuals representing different organizations including the president of AMUCO and UCM convenor Ito Tongbram were on the presidium chair.

Prior to the function, leaders of AMUCO and leaders of different communities led the people in paying floral tributes at the Integrity Pillar installed at Mapal Kangjeibung.

The Pillar was installed in remembrance of the mammoth rally organized by AMUCO on August 4, 1997.Tributes were also paid in memory of one person who died after attending the rally of August 4, 1997 and tow more persons who were killed in an accident while staging a protest on August 27, 1997.The 18 persons killed in the anti-cease fire extension agitation were also given fitting tributes.

Noted singer Khun Joy read aloud the names of all the persons martyred in the movement to safe and the gathering observed a two minute silence to pay respect to the departed souls.

People of different communities dressed in their traditional attires started coming to the venue of the function on foot, vehicles, buses and cycles etc.

AMUCO president and convenor of the Organizing Committee, Ito Tongbram said that everyone should strive to promote communal harmony and Integrity Day is the ideal time to renew this pledge.

Understanding will lead to unity and this is in turn will lead to development and peace, Ito said.

He also said the State Government should release all the AMSU leaders and others who have been arrested in connection with the anti-cease fire agitation.

Leader of the All Manipur Muslim Organization, Abdul Qayyum said that to foster inter community unity it is imperative that people of each community are united.

He said it is equally important for the minority communities to also take up the cudgels to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

On the withdrawal of the cease fire extension, Quyyum said the matter is still not clear as there is no transparency and added that the UCM should press the Government to bring out a white paper on the issue.

JN Kilong, president of the Komrem Union sad that it is noteworthy that the agitation against the cease fire extension did not take even an inch of communal overtones and added that the Meira Paibis are an example for the other States to emulate.

Chochathoi Aimol of the Aimol Tribe Union said that all should discard any notion breaking away from Manipur and all should strive for mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence.

Many other leaders from different communities including Kukis, Vaiphei, Zeliangrong, Komrems, Paites etc also addressed the function.

The function was held under the theme, �Unity, Development and Peace.� The Manipur Ngamkhei Kanba Lup, Khurai Pana Apunba Singlup also held an integrity day function at Lainingthou Awangba Auditorium, Khurai today.

Integrity day organized by the MSF, Jiri branch was also held today at Jiribam Town Hall.

Senior NCC cadets donated blood at RIMS blood bank in connection with the day.

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