UCM reiterates stand on 21st foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 03 2021:
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) observed its 21st foundation day at its headquarters at Lamphel.
The foundation day function was attended by UCM president, Joychandra Konthoujam; consultative members, H Ibotombi Khuman and L Jadhu as presidium members, UCM said in a statement.
Delivering the keynote address, general secretary of UCM, N Deba recalled that the State witnessed the 'Integrity Rally" on August 4, 1997 under the aegis of Organising Committee of Territorial Integrity of Manipur (OCTIM)- a body formed by various civil society organisations against before AMKIL and NIPCO jointly organised a similar mass rally called "Integrity and Solidarity" rally on September 28, 2000 with a call to stand against forces threatening the territorial integrity of the State.
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The following year saw an unprecedented march and rallies following the infamous 'Bangkok Declaration' on June 14 in 2001 and many sacrificed their lives in the rally on June 18 protesting the agreement wherein the Government of India and NSCN (IM) agreed to extend the ceasefire without territorial limit, he recalled.
Considering the need for an apex body for the cause of protecting the territorial integrity, CSOs joined hands to form the United Committee Manipur on July 3 in 2001 and since then the apex body has been actively working towards preservation of the State's integrity and territorial boundary, he said and reaffirmed that the body will continue to carry on their work.
He also reiterated that UCM welcomes the peace talk between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) and a logical conclusion to it.
The body will however not remain a silent spectator if the talk affects the State's integrity and territory, he continued.
UCM president at the occasion, also saluted the people for their spontaneous response and participation and the sacrifice of June 18, 2001 after which the phrase "without territorial limit" had to be withdrawn.
In the aftermath of the widespread protest, the UCM was constituted by collaborating various CSOs namely, AMUCO, AMSU, AMKIL, NIPCO, UPF and other JACs and coordinating committees working towards the preservation of territorial integrity to lead the protest, he recalled.
The body will stand beside the people and interest, he said and called upon all sections of the society and communities to uphold peace and peaceful coexistence and discard any divisive policy orchestrated by various fronts.