Integrity and Solidarity Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 28 2016:
Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) jointly observed 16th Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day at Lamyanba Shanglen today.
In his keyonte address, NIPCO general secretary Rishikanta Yumnam said that Manipur witnessed a people's uprising as there was threat to the integrity of the State due to the ceasefire agreement and peace talks between NSCN (IM) and Government of India in 2000 .
On September 28, 2000, people of Manipur staged South East Asia's biggest rally to showcase the unity of people of different communities of the State.
Since then, AMKIL and NIPCO have been observing September 28 as the Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day.
As in past years, both hill and valley people have resolved to protect the unity and integrity of the State on the day, he said.
AMKIL president Ph Shakhi Leima, NIPCO president Medun Maring, Kuki Inpi Manipur vice-president Hemjathang Khongsai, Haomi Research Guild convenor Aonax Zimik Tangkhul, Aimol Tribe Union president RT Akhel Aimol, Hill People Literary Union general secretary Angam Zatung Chiru, Purum Khullen Chief David Chongthu Purum, Indigenous Minorities Organisation president L Khupler Kom and Manipur State Minorities Commission Secretary Abdul Hakim attended the function as presidium members.
Prof Priyoranjan of Manipur University spoke at the function as a resource person.
Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone chairman Gaikhemei while speaking at the function said that it is high time to realise the need for unity of the people of the State.
Unwanted incidents happen among different communities due to miscommunication, he said and added that it would be hard to bring unity if every community thinks they are right and stick to their stands.
He said that every people living in the State must think themselves as a Manipuri.
Gaikhemei said that community and ethnic-centric notions must be given up so that every citizen may see Manipur as their motherland.