Imphal, Jul 1: The Fourth foundation day of Manipur Peace and Integrity (MAPI) Council was celebrated today at Wangkhei Commu- nity Hall.

Talks by resource persons on various issues confronting Manipur and the prevailing situation in and presentation of traditional folk dances are the main features of the celebration.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Chairperson of Manipur Human Ri- ghts Commission Justice (retired) WA Shishak observed that although the ta- lks doing the round on possible repealing of AFSPA, inclusion of provisions under this Act into Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, does not amount to repealing AFSPA.

It is replacement of one name by another. He opined that cries for peace and unity being made from all quarters only re-emphasised the lack of these two in Manipur.

He further pointed that the biggest problems in the State is the �internal problem' which is to be solved by the people themselves.

Former Head of Anthropology Dept of Manipur University Prof K Sarat-chandra who attended the function as guest of honour maintained that nume- rous changes have taken place in Manipur.

At one time, the people living in Manipur as well as those Meiteis settling in Barak valley and Cachar districts of Assam live a comforable live in the midst of abundant.

But after the British occupation and sub-sequent merger with India, a sea change has been witnessed in the socio- economic lives of the people and in relationship amo- ng themselves.

So the need of the hour to come and wo-rk together for peace, unity and development, he said.

Senior Advocate Ch Nodiachand Singh and Social Worker Rose Mangshi Haokip, who also graced the function as guests of honour.

MAPI Council advisor Sh Shamu Singh presided at the occasion.

As part of the foundation day celebration, three special invitees, namely IPSA president Ibotombi Khuman, assistant general secretary of Hericoun Churamani and former MSAD advisor Malem Ni-ngthouja presented talks on different topics in the first session.

While during the second session, gen secy of Macha Leima Guni-leima, AMUCO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram, secretary organisation UCM Y Dilipkumar and social worker Joy Nongmaithem expressed their opinions on various issued confronting Manipur.

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