AMUCO observes 28th Integrity Day
'No outsider should decide fate of Manipur'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2025: The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), while observing the 28th Manipur Integrity Day, has strengthened its resolution to protect and safeguard the State's territorial integrity and unity.

To mark the day, floral offerings were made at the Manipur Integrity Pillar at Kangjeibung and the main programme was held at the Gandhi Memorial Hall.

The gathering observed a 2-minute silence as a mark of respect for the people who have lost their lives for Manipur's integrity.

Speaking at the observance, AMUCO president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang said no community and their armed groups must work to disintegrate Manipur, and they must not let the Government of India deceive them.

Manipur is inhabited by people of different communities, and the people themselves must decide the State's future.

Allowing any external force or outsider to decide the State's fate will only cause turmoil, chaos and unrest, Nando said.

"AMUCO believes in coexistence of all communities and inclusive development.

We don't seek quarrel or enmity.

There have been attempts to disintegrate Manipur, but none has succeeded till today.

Demanding a separate administration is akin to fishing in the desert.

It will never happen," Nando asserted.

Manipur is still reeling under unrest, and normalcy has not returned.

It is the design of the illegal infiltrators and Kuki militants, who are acting in collusion with the Government of India, to form a Separate Administra-tion/Govemment for themselves, Nando said.

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Governor have claimed that peace has returned to Manipur for there is no gunfight at present.

However, there are still thousands of people who are staying in relief camps, unable to return to their homes and villages.

There is also no free movement of people on the National Highways.

These are no signs of peace being restored," Nando said.

There will be peace and normalcy in Manipur only when displaced people are allowed to return to their original homes and there is free movement of people of all communities across the State, Nando asserted.

The violence in Manipur displaced thousands of people of both the communities.

However, almost all the houses of the people who fled Moreh, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur have been dismantled and destroyed, and they have no home anymore.

On the other hand, almost all the families who fled Imphal still have homes for they have two houses - one in Imphal and the other in their native villages, Nando said.

He also commented the ongoing row over a road being named German Road/Tiger Road.

While the public roads were given the names and it had caused outrage among the people, the Centre and the State Government have not spoken a word, Nando said, questioning their silence.

He also spoke about the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement and alleged that the agreement was broken the moment the Manipur Government pulled out of it in February 2024.The Suspension of Operation (SoO) is a tripartite agreement between the Government of India, Manipur Government and Kuki militant groups.

The moment the State pulled out of the agreement, the Kuki militant groups had become illegal, Nando said.

The Kuki-Zo militants under the SoO agreement are involved in illegal activities including killings, abduction and extortion.

The Government of India not acting against them and remaining silent even when public roads have been named after the leaders of such groups is unbecoming of a country that believes in democracy, Nando said.

Speaking to the gathering, AMUCO general secretary Pratap Leishangthem said the Manipur Integrity Day was observed to commemorate the massive rally taken out on this day (August 4) in 1997 and keep alive the resolution taken to protect Manipur's integrity.

Pratap said Manipur at the time (1997) had a population of around 19 lakh, and around 5 lakh people participated in the massive rally.

The public rally to protect Manipur's integrity was one of the largest in South East Asia, and it sent a strong message to the Government of India, he said.

While the public movement to safeguard Manipur's integrity has continued and sustained, many individuals have lost their lives and made supreme sacrifice, Pratap said.

A resident of Moirang Thana Leikai, Laishram Romeo lost his life in an unfortunate incident while returning home after the August 4 rally in 1997.In another massive public movement on June 18, 2001, eighteen more people sacrificed their lives for the State's integrity, Pratap said.

To protect Manipur's integrity and preserve coexistence of all indigenous communities, the people must stand united and work collectively, Pratap asserted.

Only unity among the indigenous people will be able to face "India's divisive policy that aims to divide and rule", he added.

AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram, Porei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Soraisam Memcha, Kabui Mothers' Association president Atongpi Kamei, Rabta Madaris Islamia Arabia Manipur's Sadar Siraj Ahamed and All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' organisation president Yumkhaibam Hayatun Rahman among others attended the observance.

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