AMUCO suspects centre's hand in crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 04 2024: As the government of India had made repeated attempts to disintegrate Manipur on numerous instances, there is urgent need to investigate whether the central government is involved in spearheading and orchestrating the ongoing violence in the state, expressed All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Ph Nando Luwang.

Speaking at the observance of 27th Manipur Integrity Day organised by AMUCO at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall on Sunday, Nando reminded that the observance commemorates the people's movement of August 4, 1997 to denounce attempts to divide the different communities of the state and its disintegration which saw a turnout of over five lakh of state's total of 19 lakh population, making it the largest ever rally taken out in South East Asia.

While asserting that the central government's divisive policies would neither be fructify nor tolerated as the people of Manipur have firm resolve to uphold its unity and integrity, Nando remarked that regardless of the central government's consistent attempts to balkanise Manipur, the people had been giving befitting response to the government apart from exposing such nefarious intentions at the international platform.

One such attempt sparked the June 18 incident followed by public outcries and outrage in subsequent years, he noted and advised the government to stop manipulating organisations of different communities, while adding that such organisations are not working for the welfare of their own people.

The leaders of such organisations are greedy for political power and wealth and not at all interested for the welfare of the masses, which the people need to understand.

Inciting the people to hate another community will never end well in present times, Nando cautioned and urged all concerned not to do so.

The president also remarked that the central government's hand in instigating the communities against each other in an attempt to disintegrate Manipur can be seen as clear as day and asserted such accusation is not without basis or out of frustration over the yearlong conflict.

The central government's insincerity and the lack of neutrality on part of Assam Rifles is out for all to see.

If the government decides to task an investigative agency to look into the root cause of the conflict, it must not harass the village volunteers who are only trying to defend the land.

The high-profile leaders of the central government and those in seats of power should also be investigated, Nando maintained.

He then said that history is witness to how the people of Manipur stood against the Awa (now Myanmar) and drove away the invaders.

Additionally, it would be similar to fishing in Marabhumi (desert) for some communities to influence the central government, while under instruction from Myanmar to disintegrate and carve out a new administration from Manipur.

We need to remember that as long as we live together in peace and harmony, the land will develop and bring prosperity to all.

Thinking only about one's community and disrespecting others will never end well, he said, adding that this thinking is no longer suitable in present times.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered at the Manipur Integrity Pillar near Imphal Polo Ground.

The observance was also attended by AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Soraisam Memcha, All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association president Y Kunjarani and All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation president Yumkhaibam Hayatur Rahman as presidium members.

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