Thousands turn up to pay fitting tributes to martyrs of June 18 at Kekrupat
AMUCO lives up to its theme of Unity Day, rings out unity call
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 18 2010: In co-mmemoration of the historic upsurge of 2001, June 18 in which 18 people sacrificed their lives to safeguard the integrity of Manipur, the 9th Unity Day was observed today under the aegis of the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO).

The commemorative function started with paying of tributes to the martyrs at the memorial tombs at Kekrupat here.

This was followed by a mammoth pubic meeting at THAU ground.

Among others, the meeting was attended by AMUCO president KT Rehaman, Irabot Foundation president Th Iboyaima, president of the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur L Memchoubi, general secretary of AJYCP Assam Manoj Baruah, ex-president of Kuki Inpi, Manipur Paocha Gangte, president of the All Manipur Muslim Development Organisation Md Ayub Khan, president of the Zeliangrong United Clubs Association, Imphal Valley, Syam Daimei, organising secretary of the All Assam Mongoloid People Cultural Organisation, S Kamlakanta, HKITL president RJ Taizing Tangkhul, president of the Aimol Tribe Union Manipur Athoi Bungte, president of the Thadou Tribe Council Manipur, Ginkhomang Haokip, chairman of Kharam Tribe Union Akhup Chongloi, president of the Vaiphei People Council, Manipur Kamkholal Vaiphei and president of Paite Tribe Council, Lankhanpao.

Floral tributes paid at Kekrupat and Unity Day function underway at THAU ground

The huge gathering attended by leaders of different communities was addressed Dr Dhanabir Laishram of MU Political Science Department, human right activist Dr L Pardeshi, AJUCA president M Maipak, AMESCO president LS Guite, MSF president Md Atabuddin.

They remarked that though it has been 60 years since Manipur became a part of India, the largest democracy in the world, it still remains impossible for the people of Manipur to live a secure and dignified life.

Taking advantage of the numerous communities inhabiting Manipur, the Government of India has been scheming to ignite communal tensions on several occasions, they asserted and urged all to be vigilant.

Saying that sinister designs cannot be dismissed lightly, the speakers highlighted the need for the indigenous people of Manipur to understand all these ploys and stand united for the sake of posterity.

Just as the identity of Manipuri nation is incomplete without any of the indigenous communities, political leaders should not indulge in communal politics just for the sake of some short term, personal gain.

It would be in the best interest of all if the Government stops pursuing misplaced and discriminatory policies which often challenges the unity of Manipur as well as its territorial integrity.

AJYCP Assam, general secretary Manoj Barua said that every people of the North East have their responsibility in maintaining the status quo of the territorial boundaries of the Northeastern States.

The Govt of India should be more proactive towards this effect, he asserted.

Paocha Gangte observed that Govt alone would not be able to protect and unity and integrity of Manipur.

"Each and every one of us should shoulder due responsibility to protect the integrity of Manipur", the ex-KIM president called out.

Accusing the Govt of India of neglecting the people of North East region, organising secretary of the All Assam Mongoloid People Cultural Organisation S Kamlakanta remarked that New Delhi has been applying divide and rule policy among the people of the North East by dangling 'development packages'.

"All of us need to understand the divisive policy of India otherwise we will sink together", he asserted.

AMUCO president KT Rehaman said that Unity Day was being observed on June 18 every year since 2002 against the divisive policy of the Government of India.

From the very beginning, AMUCO harboured no hard feeling against any community.

However, it has fighting against the Government of India's faulty policies and the alleged oppressive political system.

The future of Manipuri society lies in peace co-existence and equitable development.

For this, the people of Manipur must struggle collectively, the AMUCO president asserted.Against the common desire of the people of Manipur, the Govt of India create divisions among the people.

"The people of Manipur must understand such conspiracies of the Govt of India and struggle accordingly as one.

Otherwise, the collective goal can never be achieved", Rehaman asserted.

The gathering also observed two minutes' silence in honour of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the integrity of Manipur.