Imphal, September 22 2010: People in the hills have been protecting the boundary of Manipur for ages.

But the Govt has not given the kind of support and backing that are required for these people, MPCC president and MLA of Nungba A/C Gaikhangam has stated.

Addressing a reception function hosted by Wangoi Block Congress Committee in his honour at Wangoi Bazar community hall today, Gaikhangam recalled that when people from Nagaland tried intrude into Tungjoi village, which is a border village of Manipur, people of the area had strongly opposed it and they continue to protect the boundary of Manipur.

But the Government has not given the kind of support that is required to these people in recognition of their role in protecting the boundary of Manipur.

Gaikhangam said that holding the map of Manipur in hands and shouting for territorial integrity of Manipur behind Pologround would not work.

They have not been able to consider the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur as a State issue and work accordingly, he added.

Observing that the territorial integrity of Manipur will remain unchallenged as long as there is emotional integrity, Gaikhangam expressed gratefulness to the Almighty for the rightful judgement given by the AICC high command in selecting him as the party president once again when some individuals who think only about themselves and care nothing about integrity tried to create problem within the party.

Without belying the trust of the people repose on him, Gaikhangam pledged that he and his party would continue to work for the protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.

The unique history of Manipur could never be challenged by anybody and dream of breaking apart Manipur being dreamt by a handful of people in hills would never be realised, Gaikhangam said, adding that the death sentence passed on him for having opposed any move to disintegrate Manipur still stands.

The poor performance of the party in the last Assembly election was not due to lack of public support but threats and intimidation, Gaikhangam asserted.

Stating that there are people who would like to break apart the combination of party president and Chief Minister but they would be defeated, Gaikhangam assured the gathering that the party and the Government would continue to serve the people for a long time.

He also appealed to the gathering to support vice president of the party S Achouba in the upcoming general election and send him to the Assembly as their representative.

In his address, Achouba said that he would take time off from his party activities so as to start working closely along with the people.

MLA Govindas Konthoujam, newly elected party secretary P Sashikanta, S Jiten and other party leaders were also present at the reception function.

Comment