'Save paddy fields' rings loud at Irabot anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 03 2014: In connection with the 118th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot, a protest demonstration was staged today at Kumbi Bazar on the demand for protection of agricultural land.

Prior to the protest demonstration, a large number of people offered floral tributes to Hijam Irabot.

Speaking at the protest demonstration which was organised by the CPI Kumbi Local Council, Manipur Loumi Lup president and former Minister N Mangi condemned in the strongest term the killing of two civilians by security forces during a mass rally at Ukhrul district headquarters on August 30 besides injuring many others.

Taking note of one Naga apex body's demand for an alternative political arrangement outside the Government of Manipur, Mangi questioned under whose administration/Government the Naga community would like to live as demanded by the particular apex body.

Maintenance of law and order is a State subject.

Referring to the deployment of State forces in Ukhrul, subsequent protest agitation and the demand for withdrawal of State forces, Mangi questioned the underlying political implication behind the demand for Centre's intervention.

The demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas into Nagaland as well as the demand for alternative political arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur outside the Government of Manipur are direct challenges to the integrity of Manipur, Mangi said.

Protection of life and properties of citizens is a bounden duty of the State security force.

If the State forces are incapable of discharging their foremost duty, the State may seek assistance from the Centre.

Mangi further remarked that the State Government is not sincere enough on the popular demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.

He further called upon all the people to pledge collectively for safeguarding the integrity of Manipur as championed by Hijam Irabot.

The protest demonstration highlighted nine different demands including revocation of AFSPA from Manipur, saving Sharmila's life, enforcement of ILPS, completion and commissioning of the Khuga Dam canal, distribution of old age pension without any further delay and repairing of the Kumbi-Saiton road ahead of the harvesting season.

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