Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2012: The 12th Manipur Integrity and solidarity Day observance was held today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound under the joint initiative of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and National identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) .

Presenting the key-note address, NIPCO general secretary Rishikanta Yumnam highlighted that the Day is being observed to commemorate the massive public rally and pledge by the people at a subsequent meeting at Mapal Kangjeibung on this day in 2000 to uphold Manipur's territorial integrity and work with cohesion to achieve the common goal of overall progress.

Recounting that the rally cum meeting was jointly organised by AMKIL and NIPCO in the backdrop of threat posed to Manipur's territorial and emotional integrity following an agreement between Government of India and NSCN (IM), Rishikanta alleged that the Central Government continues to relentlessly pursue divide and rule policy in Manipur by pitching one section of the people against another.

While the June 18, 2001 people's movement was a clear indication on the determination of Manipuris to protect its territory as well as promote emotional integrity, there is still need for maintaining vigil as disruptive elements with the patronage of the Central Government are trying to create divisions among the indigenous people, remarked the convenor.

Attributing the people's resolve and determination for the Government of India ultimately deleting the clause 'without territorial limit' from the Bangkok Agreement, on July 27, 2001, he asserted that not a single case of the majority community resorting to physical assault or verbal abuse against people from other communities in the aftermath of the June 18 movement is a testimony that the Government of India is the common enemy.

Further contending that Govt of India is determined to suppress the Manipuris and hence attempting to create divisions amongst the indigenous people, Rishikanta emphasised that only through unity of the people devilish intention of all the adversary forces could be tackled in an effective manner.

Speaking at the occasion, PANDAM president Y Dilipkumar affirmed that inspite of sinister intentions of divisive forces, unity of the people can ensure protection of Manipur and its interest.

Accusing the Government of forcing UG activists to take part in highly publicised surrender ceremonies without any compatible rehabilitation packages or programmes, he cited instances of surrenderees or their family members staging protest demonstration against the Govt to substantiate his claim that surrendering of UGs is merely a drama to incorporate such events as an achievement of the Government.

Disagreeing with the Government's contention that lack of employment opportunities had spurred insurgency movement in Manipur, Dilipkumar asserted that the ongoing armed movement is to restore independent status of Manipur.

On the otherhand, IPSA president E Johnson opined that the ongoing peace parleys between the Centre and NSCN (IM) is a process to foment communal enmity amongst the indigenous people who had been settled together since time immemorial.

due to maturity of the masses the sense of oneness among the indigenous people has gone from strength to strength, he maintained.

Hailing the public movement of June 2001 as a turning point in the history of Manipur, presidents of UCM Nabachandra, FREINDS S Jadumani, AMKIL Phanjoubam Shakhi Leima and NIPCO Sunil Karam stressed on the need for continuous unity and promoting amity among the people.

ZU-AMN advisor R Chandra Haomei, former chief of Sandangsenba Maring village MTH Modhar Maring, Human Resource Development Organisation secretary Md Rahimuddin and Khongnangpokpi village chief S Boilen Kom also attended the commemorative event.

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