Don't encroach into Manipur's territory: Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2018: Saying that the people of Manipur do not hanker after even a single inch of neighbouring States' territories, ex-Chief Minister and CLP leader O Ibobi has warned all forces not to encroach into Manipur's territory or interfere in its affairs.

As observed throughout the State and beyond, MPCC too observed the Patriots' Day at Congress Bhavan here today.

The function was also attended by MPCC president TN Haokip, ex-Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, ex-Ministers, ex-MLAs and many Congress leaders and they paid floral tributes to Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

Later speaking to media persons, Ibobi recalled that Manipur existed as an independent Nation for thousands of years.

For their efforts to safeguard the independence of Manipur, British colonial rulers charged Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General with rebellion and they were hung to death at Pheidabung on August 13, 1891 .

The day Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death was a dark day in the history of Manipur.

MPCC has been observing the Patriots' Day to pay tributes to the patriots and immortalise their valour, Ibobi said.

"All the people living in Manipur are Manipuris.

We after all, descendents of those valiant forefathers who willingly laid down their lives for the cause of Manipur.

As such, we should be ever prepared to lay down our lives for the cause of the State and its integrity", Ibobi asserted.

To a query about the Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government of Nagaland's decision which endorsed the demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas, O Ibobi who served as the Chief Minister of Manipur for three consecutive terms remarked that the Neiphiu Rio-led Government's decision was nothing new.

Manipur has nothing to say regarding what the Government of India does within the State of Nagaland but not an inch qf Manipur's territory should be touched, Ibobi asserted.

If the collective interest of Manipur is harmed in any manner while working out a solution between the Government of India and NSCN (IM), Manipuri people will never accept the solution, Ibobi warned.

The Government of India should not do anything which may challenge the integrity of Manipur in future, if not now, he said.

He continued that all the legislators of the State, irrespective of their political affiliations, will take a collective decision to safeguard the integrity of Manipur during the extended State Assembly session scheduled on August 16."We will fight back in a befitting manner if the Government of India or the neighbouring States challenge the integrity of Manipur", he added.

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