People's uprising commemorated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2013 : In comme-moration of the 2000 mass movement of the people against the threat posed to Manipur's territorial integrity consequent to the ceasefire agreement bet-ween the Government of India and NSCN-IM, the 13th Mani-pur Integrity and Solidarity Day has been observed today with Apunba Manipur Kanba Lup (Amkil) and National identity Protection Committee (Nipco) jointly organising the observance function at Lam-yanba Shanglen, Palace Com- pound.

Stating that the observance is being held for the past ma-ny years to commemorate the people's movement and public meeting held at Mapal Kangjeibung on this day in 2000, observance Committee convenor Rishikanta yum-nam said that spontaneous response and several thousand people from both hill and valley areas present at the meeting strengthened resolve that further disintegration of Manipur will not be tolerated.

Moreover, the spontaneous response testified that the indigenous people's desire to support and cooperate for equal development of all the indigenous communities settled in the State, said the convenor.

13th Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day

Noting that threat posed to Manipur's territorial integrity still exist, Rishikanta also expressed that the people willing to sacrifice for protecting the territorial integrity had been showcased by the June 18, 2001 movement against the Bangkok Declaration of the GoI-NSCN (IM) talks under which the ceasefire agreement had no territorial limit.

The fact that the massive agitation spearheaded by the majority community did not target any minority community exhibited maturity of the protestors that indifferent attitude of the Government of India aroused the public sentiment, he said.

Speaking at the observance function, Nipco president Sunil Karam accused the Government of india of relentlessly trying break up Manipur by instigating one indigenous community against the other.

With over 2000 years of history about Manipur's boundary and peaceful coexistence of different communities forcible merger into the Indian union marked the beginning of strain in the relationship of the indigenous people, he observed.

With regard to the present boundary imbroglio between Manipur and Myanmar, Sunil said the border tension with the traditionally friendly international neighbour is a fallout of the Central Government continuously dishonouring Manipur and its people.

He also demanded that the ongoing boundary fencing work be stopped with immediate effect failing which the people launching intense agitation cannot be ruled out.

former Minister RV Mingthing, in his address, emphasising on sustaining cordial relationships between the hill and valley people reminded that protecting Manipur's integrity is a responsibility of all the indigenous communities.

Kuki Inpi Manipur president Thangkhosei Khongsai, Assistant professor of GP Women's College Dr M Baharuddin Shah, Koireng Bible Translation treasurer Pastor Kungsong Wanbe, Chiru union NEI president Areng Zatak, Aimol Tribe Union Manipur president Akhup Serto Aimol, Khongnangpokpi village chief S Boilen Kom and Thangal Surung village chief Lengkham Thangal.