Imphal, October 28: Taking part in celebrating eighth year of establishment of Chamalou sub-centre of Universal Friendship Organization (UFO), formerly known as Satjal, various speakers applauded the peaceful sojourn of the organization in restoring pre-merger status of Manipur.

The celebration of the raising day of the UFO branch was graced by Dean of Central Agricultural University Dr N Iboton Singh and renowned social worker and Amuco advisor Th Iboyaima Singh as the chief guest and president respectively.

National awardee Dr K Bheighachandra Meitei, former secretary of BSEM S Nabachandra and Additional Public Prosecutor cum Govt advocate Ng Tejkumar attended the programme as guests of honour.

In his presidential address, Th Iboyaima touch- ed on every aspect from the issue of territorial integrity to the present imbroglio over demands for removal of AFSPA from Manipur.

Recalling the rich tradition and cultural heritage of Manipur that has gradually lost ground first by the occupation of Manipur by the British rulers and then with the merger to the Union of India, the social activist condemned imposition of AFSPA in Manipur.

Referring to opposition of the Union of India to demand for lifting Disturbed Area Status from the State, he ridiculed concerted endeavor of India to ensure administration of polio drops to every children of the country for longevity of life-span while at the same time imposing AFSPA which had become a tool for elimination of Manipuris.

Recalling giving away of the fertile Kabow valley to the then Burma and uncertainty prevailing over the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur to imposition of AFSPA, he lamented that due to discriminatory attitude of Government of India people of Manipur had to bear the brunt for several decades ever since it merged to the Union.

Advocate Tejkumar impressed by the unity and discipline of the organization cited advancement of media in enabling the mass to steadily understand the transparent agenda of UFO to regain its lost glory.

Taking a dig at organizations that claims itself as the apex body of Manipur but subsequently gets infested with internal tussle for leadership to ultimately loose its sting, Tejkumar said unity showcased by the UFO is exemplary and the only means to project any cause with maximum effect.

he also endorsed the legal process pursued by UFO to regain sovereignty which, Tejkumar observed had been illegally snatched and cautioned Govt of India to bestow constitutional rights to citizens of Manipur before the majority community escalates intensity of sovereignty demand.

Earlier, presenting the introductory speech, UFO president RK Manisana asserted that establishment of the Chamalou sub-centre at near Iroisemba is strategically important to safeguard the heart of Manipur whenever the need arise as it is located very close to Imphal.

Three senior members of the UFO speaking as special invitees urged the people to shed suspicious outlook upon the UFO members.

Explaining on most of the members sporting long hair and unshaven beards one of the seniors Moremba said UFO considers protection of identity as the foremost to highlight Manipur�s grievances at the highest level.

Moreover, such distinctiveness of the UFO members helps in maintaining discipline and moral as identity could be easily established whenever the members commits socially unacceptable acts.

Calling upon the general masses to shed wrong perception of UFO members another senior member N Nobin citing influences of Indian cultural and westernization of the Manipuri society to rapid decaying of social ethics and traditions said advances of Hindunization and westernization had resulted in the identity crisis and social chaos amidst which unity of the people would be an arduous task.

UFO believes in protecting the identity and tradition of the forefathers who lived as free citizens, they expressed while observing that identity of a community is an equally important criteria to make the whole world accept the artificial problems currently besetting people of Manipur.

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