UCM renews hill-valley unity pledge, peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 03 2011: Renewed pledge to strengthen emotional unity between the hill and valley people and continuously work for peace marked the 11th foundation day celebration of United Committee Manipur (UCM) held today at Mini Shankar Hall, Lamphelpat.

Presenting the key-note address, UCM general secretary W second said the Committee will strive to work for equal development of all the ethnic communities while at the same time remain vigil to foil attempts by groups and individuals with vested interest to create chaos and division amongst the peace-loving people.

Highlighting that UCM was formed on this day in the backdrop of the spontaneous movement of the masses against the ceasefire agreement without territorial limit signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on June 14, 2001, the general secretary asserted that UCM will not let the sacrifices made by the 18 martyrs go waste.

Further noting that in the initial period UCM comprised of six civil society organisations and worked under the motto of peace, integrity and unity, he also cautioned the general public to remain vigilant as there is continuous attempt by destructive forces to create divisions in the society.

Asserting that UNC's demand for alternative arrangement is yet another manifestation of the NSCN (IM) agenda to divide the people on the line of ethnicity, Second also contemplated that such an agenda seem to have the backing of the Central Government.

UCM leaders litting the candle for its 11th anniversary

Further contending that the recent launch of Manipur unit of Naga People's Front at Senapati district testifies the rebel group's hidden agenda, the UCM functionary cautioned that without cohesion and unity amongst the civil society organisations of Manipur the NSCN (IM) will only get more audacious in fanning hatred among the ethnic people.

In his address, UCM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar strongly advocated working together of various NGOs as a single unit with the assertion that a new entity could be formed to foster unity.

for the UCM decision has already been taken to visit hill district areas with the message of peace and development and understand plight of the people settled in far off places.

AMWJU president A Mobi observed that NGOs active in Manipur lack mutual understanding and cooperation in various aspect unlike in the neighbouring State of Nagaland where even rebel groups, the political class and the general public seem to work in tandem on important issues.

Pointing to observance of June 18 by different entities as a glaring evidence of discord between responsible organisations, he suggested that only through joint observance of the historic event will the people of Manipur be able to honour sacrifices of the 18 martyred souls.