Imphal, July 04: Peace rallies were carried out in Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong district headquarters today under the aegis of United Naga Council, Tangkhul Naga Long, Chandel Naga Peoples Organization and Zeliangrong Peoples Convention in support of extension of ceasefire and maintenance of peace and harmony in the region, a police release said.

In Senapati about 4000 people participated in the rally while 1700 took part in the Chandel rally, the police release adding that 5000 attended the Ukhrul rally while 3500 took part in the Tamenglong rally.

The number of participants claimed by the organizers is much more than the figure release by the police.

Elaborate security arrangements were also made in these places and no untoward incidents took place during the rallies.

White flags were put up on top of houses in these districts to welcome peace in the respective areas, reports reaching here said.

Placards and banners written with the words �We want peace�, �Peace is our birth right�, �We support ceasefire extension without territorial limits�, �We want the progress of the India-NSCN (IM) ceasefire� and �We appeal for peace and understanding with our neighbours� were taken by the rallyist.

A four point declaration was signed during the public meeting held at Senapati rally.

UNC president KS Paul Leo in his speech said that if the agreement reached between Padmanabhaiah and Th Muivah is altered in any manner, the Nagas will launch strike.

He called upon the Meitei brethren to understand the problems of Nagas and appealed not to add communal hues to the issue.

Dr.Jina Shangkham, President Naga Women�s Association and R James, president, Naga People Organization also spoke at the meeting.

The declaration made at the meeting welcomed the extension of the ceasefire without territorial limit.

The declaration appealed to the truce opposers to understand the real concept and purpose of the ceasefire under the �correct� perspective and give peace a chance to establish permanent place in the North Eastern region.

Stating that the legitimate rights of the tribals are being deprived off by the �people living in only 2238 sq kms of the 22,302 sq kms of the State�s total land in violation of every acceptable norm, the declaration added that Central leaders need to make every decision judiciously.

Our Chandel correspondent adds that more than 5000 took part in the Chandel rally.

According to our correspondent, 12,000 took part in Senapati rally, 42,000 in Ukhrul rally and 10,000 in Tamenglong rally.

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