Integrity Day : State remembers Aug 4, '97 with gusto
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04: In commemoration of the massive public rally taken out at Imphal on August 4, 1997 pledging to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost, the 11th Integrity Day was observed today in different parts of the State.

Organised like every year under the aegis of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, the main function was held at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband with chief guest Prof N Sanajaoba leading the people in offering Meira (torch) to the Integrity Pillar.

AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng presided over the function which was also attended by president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur L Memchoubi Devi, president of Thadou Tribe Council Demmang Haokip, social worker D Lungpuijei Kabui and president of All Manipur Muslim Development Organisation Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Inquilab as guests of honour.

Function underway in commemoration of Integrity Day organised by AMUCO

Speaking at the occasion, Prof Sanajaoba observed that in accordance to the International Court of Justice, India Government cannot compromise with the territorial integrity of Manipur and in case Delhi uses force to dismember any part of Manipur then it should be held responsible for the consequences.

Before 1989, there was no confusion over the territorial integrity of Manipur.

"However, after the annexation of Manipur by India and around the time of 1967, a serious danger has been started posing on the territorial integrity of Manipur," Prof Sanajaoba claimed.

In his presidential address, Yangsosong Koireng observed that inspite of the fact that the people of Manipur have taken numerous unanimous decisions on the territorial integrity of Manipur, India Government does not respect the integrity of Manipur.

Unabated State-sponsored terrorism, violation of human rights with impunity under AFSPA, instigating distrust and enmity among the people are all pointers towards disintegrating Manipur, he alleged.

''Indian Constitution has not been able to rest assure the people on the territorial integrity of Manipur, so all of us should work together under the common interest of protesting and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the State'', Yangsosong exhorted the gathering.

In the name of development, the Government of Manipur has been paying interest on construction of roads and bridges, buildings and dams.

But so far it has not been able to provide real development for the people at the grassroots level, he said, pointing out that this is really unfortunate.

This being the cause, the different groups of people living in Manipur have not been able to think about a common interest and work towards that goal, he said.

"It is only when we start working together for equal distribution of wealth and common development, no power on earth would be able to disintegrate Manipur," he further observed.

In collaboration with other organisations, AMUCO also observed Integrity Day at different parts of the State including Nambol Community Hall, Sawombung Bazar, Langdum Community Hall, Yairipok Bazar, Lairenkabi community hall, Leishang Khong, Khongjom Bazar, Kakching Khunou, Bishnupur Community Hall, Sagolmang Bazar, Moirang Thana Leikai, Langmeidong, Mayophung Village in Ukhrul district, Yairipok Singa, Moreh, Tuibuong in Churachandpur district.

Our Jiribam correspondent adds: The 11th commemoration of Manipur's Integrity Day organised by all Jiribam United Clubs Association (AJUCA) under the sponsorship of AMUCO was held today at Jiribam Town Hall.

AJUCA president MM Mangang, Hmar National Union advisor Amo Hmar, AMUCOC Jiribam unit vice president Md Badain, AJTU president Hena Vaiphei, AJMP advisor L Sorojini Devi, Prof KN Chand of GC College (Assam), AJUCA former presidents H Joykumar, Ch Ranjit Kumar and P Biren Khumanpu were presidium members of the function marked by colourful traditional dances of Meitei, Bengali, Zeliangrong, Hmar, Kabui and Paite.