Osune-India formally launched
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2012:
As decided at the public hearing on November 17, Organisation for Solidarity and Unity of North East india (Osune-India) has been formally launched by its president Dr Khomdon Lisam at a simple ceremony held today at Manipur Press Club.
The Osune-india launching ceremony was preceded by the first general body meeting of the Organisation and appointment of an 18-member office bearers at the same venue.
Speaking to newspersons at the Osune-India launching programme, Dr Khomdon stated that the Organisation was formed with the sole objective of promoting solidarity and unity amongst all the ethnic groups settled in Manipur through possible amendment of the Indian Constitution.
The former MACS Project Director said that Osune-India will facilitate creation of a forum for dialogue and discussion to ensure communal harmony, social integration and promoting solidarity and unity amongst all the ethnic groups of people.
It would also initiate policy and legal advocacy campaigns in collaboration with stakeholders for possible amendment of the Indian Constitution to achieve the common goal and objectives.
Describing prevailing situation of Manipur as very grim, he informed that recommendations of the November 17 public hearing would be highlighted to the Governor and the Chief Minister of Manipur in the form of memorandums.
The recommendations include declaration of the whole State of Manipur as a hill State; maintain status quo of Article 3 of Indian Constitution to protect the 2000 years old territorial integrity of Manipur; protection of rights, identity, customs, culture, traditions, religion, land, language, script and mineral resources of the indigenous people; recognition of indigenous religions of Manipur by the Government of India; bringing all the ethnic groups under a uniform land law; constitutional assent to establishment of an upper house (Legislative Council) with a minimum of 40 members along with provision for 10 nominated members; inclusion of Manipuri script (Meitei Mayek) in coins and currency bank notes; recognition of Meiteis as a schedule tribe; setting up of a separate Manipur Regiment under indian Army; and special recruitment drive to recruit Manipuris in the Railways, coal mines and other central services.