Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13:
In the absence of peace, there can be no development in Manipuri society which is passing through a critical very stage with incidents of violence being reported almost on daily basis, president of United Committee Manipur (UCM) K Lanngamba has stated.
Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function of the 2nd Ching-Tam Football Tournament at the playground of Kharam Pallel today, Lanngamba pointed out that restoration of peace is essential for bringing about development in a society and it is absurd to think that peace would prevail once there is development.
So, in order to bring about peace, it is of utmost importance to find out the root cause of all the problems afflicting the State today, he maintained.
After the Government of India and Government of Manipur signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) with some UG groups, people expected that it would be to the betterment of the society.
But today, the same people are living under the shadow of fear as SoO is hollow and meaningless.
In order to do away with SoO and allow the people to live in peace, a mass movement is the need of the hour, he exhorted the gathering.
While opining that 90 percent of the activities of most of the UG groups in Manipur regardless of their principles and ideologies are concentrating on extorting money today, UCM president observed that activities of the UG groups should not affect the poor people, particularly the farmers and the labourers.
Government should also not impose any kind of tax on them.
He further observed that mindset of the larger community to suppress the smaller communities should be given up and the Government should payment special attention to the grievances of the people belonging to smaller communities.
Kharam Tribe Union, Manipur president R Umsosan presided over the function.
In all 11 teams are participating in the football tournament being organised by Kharam Pallel Youth Club.
On the first day of the tournament, teams of Longa Koireng and Kharam Pallel Youth Club (A) played the match.