Real peace when IDPs return to own homes - Nando
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 04 2025: All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Nando Luwang has stated that the fate and future of Manipur must be decided by joint consultation of various indigenous communities of the state while cautioning that using any other community or force to decide the state's fate would only lead to unprecedented situations.

AMUCO observed the 28th Manipur Integrity Day at GM Hall, here, on Monday.

In his address on the occasion, Nando said the Day is being observed to commemorate the largest peace rally ever taken out in Southeast Asia on August 4, 1997 .

The observance commenced from 1998 after the then CM W Nipamacha laid the foundation of the Integrity Pillar near Imphal Pologround.

Real peace when IDPs return to own homes - Nando

He recounted that at the end of the rally, five lakh people gathered at Mapal Kangjeibung wherein they adopted the resolutions to protect the territorial integrity and unity of Manipur, and for all communities to live in harmony.

The resolutions are reaffirmed every year on August 4, despite the continuous threats to the integrity of Manipur under the guise of "divide and rule" policy.

As such, any community in the state or armed groups based on communal lines should refrain from posing threats to territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur.

He further alerted all not to fall into the honey traps of government of India.

Pointing out that Manipur is a geographically small state, but residents existed in harmony since time immemorial, he reminded that it is the indigenous communities who will decide the fate and future of Manipur and not any other external community or force.

Any attempt otherwise would only lead to further chaos, he remarked.

Stating that the current chaotic situation in Manipur is caused by external groups such as Myanmar-based Kuki-Zo militants demanding separate administration and threatening the integrity of the state; Nando said that the Indian government is also complicit in the situation.

The union home minister has made many claims for restoration of peace in Manipur in the parliament like the Governor on various platforms.

In their eyes, the absence of any gunshot and any death is a sign of peace.

In reality, however, peace has not been restored in Manipur and the status quo not changed a bit.

The so-called peace is negative peace.

Thus, the claims of peace in state are implausible, he remarked.

The AMUCO president then said that there is no peace when the indigenous people of Manipur are living in their own state as refugees.

The claims of peace can somewhat be supported when the IDPs languishing in various relief camps are able to return to their own homes.

The Meetei IDPs were the real indigenous residents of their places in the hill areas, while half of the Kuki IDPs who fled the valley are not indigenous to this land.

These half own at least two homes.

Furthermore, the Meeteis are unable to pass through the highways.

Even if the Government of India has assured to restore free movement, they are deliberately undermining the same.

The conflict in Manipur is continuing due to the insincerity of the Indian Government, Nanda alleged.

He then said that AMUCO's appeal has always been to live and progress together in harmony.

However, the continuous divisive plot of the Government of India has transformed the state from a working culture to an agitating culture, and portraying the same to the global audience.

Stressing that the people of Manipur would continue to stand for the state no matter the level of extreme force used; Nando said that the demand for separate administration or a separate nation would be like trying to catch fish in the desert.

He then said that violence would never bring about any solution.

Further alleging that armed groups having the audacity to rename places in the hills is due to the support of the Indian agencies, he pointed out that names like German and Tiger are associated with Kuki militant leaders.

It is questionable why the Indian Government is remaining silent on public roads being named in this way, especially when the roads were constructed destroying acres of reserved forest areas, Nando observed.

In addition, the 'SoO' agreement came to end in February, 2024 and as such, these leaders or members of Kuki militant groups are banned under the law.

The Government would do well to remember that there can be no place of militants involved in murders, killings or other crimes in a democracy, he stated.

The observance was also attended by AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Soraisam Memcha, Kabui Mothers' Association Manipur president Atongbi Kamei, Rabta Madaris Islamia Arabia Manipur Alhaj Mufti Siraj Ahmed Qasmi and All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation president Yumkhaibam Hayatur Rahman as presidium members.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered at the Manipur Integrity Pillar.