13 Yrs down the line, significance of Integrity Day remains intact
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2010: In remembrance of the mass public rally taken out on this day in 1997 to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) today observed the 13th Integrity Day successfully at five places including Jiribam and Moreh.

Reaffirming the pledge of protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost, two resolutions have also been adopted.

The first resolution called for collective strength and unity of the people to defeat the divisive policy of the Government of India and the second resolution declared that henceforth AMUCO would join hands with the people in ensuring development of National Highways connecting the State with the outside world instead of just relying on the assurance given by the State Government in this regard.

People throng THAU ground and the members on the dais to mark Integrity Day

As part of the observance, the public offered floral tributes at the Integrity Pillar installed at Mapal Kangjeibung and paid homage to those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Later on, the main function was held at THAU ground, Thangmeiband with president of AMUCO KT Rahman, president of Irabot Foundation Manipur Thounaojam Iboyaima, president of Kuki Inpi Thangkhosei Kipgen, president of Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Memchoubi, ex-general secretary of All Manipur Bar Association Md Abdul Kayum and president of ZEO R Chandra Haomei as presidium members.

Participated by leaders of various civil organisations, at the beginning of the function the congregation observed two minutes as mark of respect to the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for the cause of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the State.

Delivering the key note address, secretary general of AMUCO Ph Deban recalled that on this day in 1997 over 5 lakhs people demonstrated at Imphal against the sinister design of Govt of India and NSCN (IM) to break apart Manipur and create enmity among hill and valley people.

People of the region knew that Naga people as a whole is not a party to this sinister design and AMUCO has been working to thwart such attempt and promote peaceful coexistence among the hill and the valley people, Deban said.

He further observed that every communities in Manipur have the right to protect and promote their cultural tradition, language, religious belief and social order.

But AMUCO would not tolerate any attempt to disturb the territorial integrity of the State in the name of protecting such rights.

He alleged that the Govt of India has been instigating bloodshed among the Naga people by encouraging one faction of the NSCN with the claim of recognising the unique history of Nagas.

Among the special invitees who spoke at the function, vice president of NIPCO Sunil Karam, advisor of IPSA Ibotombi Khuman, president of Komrem Union Manipur John Kiyong, guest lecturer in Political Science Department, MU Dhanabir Laishram and filmmaker Padmashree Aribam Syam Sharma called upon the people to cast away their parochial outlook and think of oneness and unity of all.

They also stressed on the need for a composite history of the people in the State.

AMUCO president KT Rahman categorically observed that the issues being confronted in the State including the issue of State terrorism is the outcome of forceful merger of Manipur into India.