Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17:
Condemnations have poured in over the torching of the gate erected for Gaan-Ngai festival at Sawombung by unidentified miscreants last night.
A meeting attended by members of AMUCO, AZACO and representatives of meira paibis of the adjoining areas strongly condemned the incident and appealed to all concerned not to repeat such acts which may jeopardize the relationship between different communities residing in the State.
The Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland), Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland), Zeliangrong Union (Imphal Zone) and Zeliangrong Youth Front (Imphal Zone) have strongly condemned the incident adding that it was an insult to the Zeliangrong people.
They have also urged the UCM to identify and book the culprits or else the ZU and ZYF will not remain silent spectators.
ZUCAM V has also strongly condemned the incident.
The All Manipur United Clubs Organization has also reacted very strongly against the incident.
In a statement, AMUCO said that the incident could only have been the handiwork of anti-social elements who are intent on implementing the divide and rule policy of the Indian Govt.Though AMUCO first started the campaign to save the territorial integrity of Manipur, today it has become a people's movement and no single organization can lay claim to the people's movement, said the statement.
History is testimony to the fact that from the very beginning the campaign to save the integrity of Manipur has never taken any communal overtones and the fight has been against the divide and rule policy of the Indian Govt and not against any community, said the statement adding that the anti-social elements who ignited the Sawombung incident are the real enemies of the people.
AMUCO has also appealed to all clubs, meira paibis and voluntary organizations to ensure that the Gaan-Ngai festival of the Zeliangrong community passes off without any major hindrances.
The statement also asked the people to be wary of anti-social elements who try to drive a wedge between different communities living in Manipur.
The decision of the State Government to impose curfew even as the Gaan-Ngai festival is on in full swing also came under strong condemnation from AMUCO.
The Organization said that the imposition of the curfew will only hamper the festival adding that the curfew is totally unjustified.
It would be totally wrong if the curfew is imposed because of the unrest among the people over the integrity of Manipur.