UCM vows to uphold integrity of Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 03 2024: Denouncing continuous attempts to break up Manipur by certain communities inimical to unity and progress of the state, United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Joychandra Konthoujam asserted that it is prepared to tackle elements posing threat to Manipur having history of over 5000 years.

Speaking as one of the presidium members of UCM's 24th foundation day celebration at its Lamphel office, here, on Wednesday, Joychandra recalled the ceasefire agreement signed between NSCN (IM) and government of India in Bangkok on June 14, 2001 and consequent intense public movement against inclusion of the controversial phrase, 'without territorial limit' in the pact.

During the movement, the state assembly building was set on fire, CM's bungalow targeted and 18 people sacrificed their lives for protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Subsequently, local clubs, CSOs, student organisations and the JAC formed an apex body under the banner United Committee Manipur on July 3, 2001, he recalled.

While assuring that it is committed to promote communal harmony, Joychandra stated that UCM has been standing firm and initiating measures to nullify threat posed by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

Moreover, they are prepared and ready to teach a lesson to those communities trying to disrupt the integrity of Manipur, he affirmed while emphasising that major communities should not scheme assimilation of minority communities.

Observing that the present conflict in Manipur is a proxy war orchestrated by India on Manipur and Myanmar, Joychandra said that Kuki narco-terrorists are being used as tool of the proxy war.

He also opined that the government of Manipur can end the conflict if the powers conferred under Article 355 are entrusted to the state government, while conceding that only the central government can tackle the violence now as it has taken hold on both the internal and the external security of the state under Article 355.He also urged the central government to end the conflict at the earliest.

Pointing out that the objective of UCM is to uphold integrity of Manipur, preserve its historical boundary and ensure uniform development in both hills and valley, he said that the committee has been working on these objectives since its inception.

UCM has also taken up an initiative to trace Manipuris scattered outside the state, under a campaign aptly named "Eegi Khongul Liba'' (Tracing the Bloodline).

After inspecting the place in Shillong where Maharaj Bodhchandra signed the merger agreement with India, the committee impressed upon the government to make the place a living historical monument, which has been translated into action, Joychandra continued, while recalling the visit to Andaman Nicobar Islands where the then king Kulachandra and 22 Manipur heroes were exiled after the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.Considering the importance for setting up a memorial site, memorandums were submitted to the PM, Home Minister and CM, the UCM president maintained, while conveying that state government has informed about disbursing of fund for development of the site by the central government.

The foundation day celebration was also attended by UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra, IPSA president Maibam Bisheshwor, NIPCO president Oinam Premjit, PANDAM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, ACOAM Lup Kangleipak president Soraisam Sanjit and AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi as presidium members.

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