Peace call rings out on Integrity Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2015: Call for stepping up efforts to bring peace and integrity in the State rang loud during the 18th Manipur Integrity Day observance programme organised by the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai today.

Speakers at the function called for greater peace efforts and to forge unity among the various communities living in the State.

They also called for safeguarding the integrity of the State and to fight any divisive forces that pose a threat to the State's territorial integrity.

Earlier today, the programme began with offering floral tributes at the Integrity Pillar installed near the Manipur State Museum.

Speaking to media persons at the site, president of Irabot Foundation, Th Iboyaima stated that no force or power should threaten the integrity of the land and added that all must be united in defending the same.

Tributes paid at the integrity pillar

Leaders and representatives of various civil society organisations took part in the observance function that marked the mass unified movement taken out on August 4, 1997 in the backdrop of the Indo-Naga peace talk.

President of AMUCO Mani Khuman urged people to stop working individually and added that the State wide movement should be highlighted at a much higher level.

"We must remember our past incidents and must work as responsible citizens of the State," he added.

He further said that a concrete step must be taken with the ongoing ILP movement and people must have full knowledge of the demand.

Speaking at the function, president of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) Thangkhosei Haokip expressed displeasure over the uncertainty of the Indo-Naga peace accord which was signed between Govt of India and NSCN (IM) at New Delhi yesterday.

He stated, "for now, we cannot say anything whether the Naga peace accords would bring peace or discord in Manipur.

We are left in the dark and have no information as the details of the accords inked are not made public yet" .

Exuding confidence that the outcome will not affect the interests of others, Thangkhosei said that no accord should threaten the integrity of Manipur.

Calling for peace and unity among the communities of the State, the Kuki leader said love can't be shown only with sweet words, but action is what matters.

Social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram expressed hope that the Naga peace accord does not bring any discord and disturb peaceful coexistence in the State.

However, he expressed fear that Manipur may be on fire due to unrest and social upheaval if the Indo-Naga peace pact threatens the State's territorial integrity.

He stated that if the Central Government and the peace accord turn out to be in favour of an insurgent group by acting against the entire people's interest and expectation, then the Prime Minister will be reduced to being a puppet.

Stating that it is time for all the CSOs of the North East including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to raise a united voice through a 'Declaration', he urged all the CSOs of the State to join hands and work together.

United Committee Manipur (UCM) president, Elangbam Johnson said that if the accord is to bring peace for Nagaland itself then it is very good thing and all must welcome it warmly.

But, if the said accord turns out to be something which would bring dissension among the people, it would be very unfortunate and a June 18, 2001 type protest may erupt.

However, he said that it would be wrong to presume anything without fully knowing what is within the peace accord.

President of Poirei Leimarol L Memchoubi expressed her displeasure on the divide and rule policy used by the Government of India to appease the NSCN (IM).

She urged people to be united and work as one unit in the larger interest for posterity.

Advisor of AMUCO KT Rahaman requested people to forget the difference they had in the past and urged all to join hands together to safeguard the State's territorial integrity.

Ex-president of AMUCO R Yangsosong Koireng urged the organization to frame a monitoring group and work out a concrete plan and strategy to face the said accord signed between Government of India and the NSCN (IM) .