Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, September 11:
As a part of the ongoing campaign for the safeguarding of Manipur's identified and promotion of communal peace and harmony, the United Committee Manipur organized a fourth leaders' meet today at Thoubal in association with the Action Committee Against Ceasefire Extension in Manipur, ACACEM, Thoubal.
The meet, held at the Thoubal Okram LS Talkies was attended by leaders of the UCM, ACACEM and a number of resource persons.
From the side of UCM, convenors Sapamcha Jadumani and Khundram Ratan, along with L Jadumani, W Inao, RK Ranendrajit and others attended the meet.
Two minutes silence was observed in memory of the 18 martyrs who died in the integrity protection agitation.
Addressing the meet, Jadumani recalled the supreme sacrifice by the martyrs and appealed to the people to be aware of external and internal threats which have to be faced to preserve the bonds of brotherhood that exist since time immemorial among the various social groups, and to protect Manipur's integrity.
While noting that elections is inevitable within a short period of time, he warned the people against power seekers will now emerge in different forms.
He also staled that the UCM won't stand against the democratic norms.
From the side of ACACEM, N Surjakumar, secretary, in his speech stated that now it is time for unification and decentralization of power, so that future works of UCM which is the highest apex body could be done in a better way.
Angumei Gangmei, president CYKC, of Choubok village, Thoubal, in his speech spoke in detail about the displacement of some social groups of the valley in the course of the anti-ceasefire extension agitation, which he said was regrettable.
He strongly stressed the need to preserve communal harmony among various ethnic groups and said the Meiteis, who form the majority community, must have more communal tolerance.
Md Sallaudin of LUCO, Lilong, in his speech called for unity among the communities of Manipur, stating that it was the need of the hour.
He also said the recent splitting of the AMUCO from the UCM was unfortunate since the state has still to face a lot of problems.