UCM sees no merit in CM's resignation bid
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 03 2023:
Maintaining that the move by chief minister N Biren to tender resignation smacks of lacking good judgement, United Committee Manipur (UCM) has asked CM N Biren Singh to act like a man and fight the war against those who are demanding a separate administration and trying to disintegrate Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion of its 23rd foundation day held on Monday, UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam affirmed committee's stand for upholding the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Stating that UCM was formed during the people's movement when the NSCN (IM) and the government of India signed the ceasefire agreement with the clause "without territorial limit" following which 18 people lost their lives in the June 18 incident, he added UCM emerged as an apex body of Manipur on July 3 in 2001 .
Commenting on the present situation in Manipur, the UCM president said that the Chin-Kuki militants from across the border are demanding a separate administration in the state which will be dominated by illegal immigrants and are bent on killing innocent people and vandalizing properties and torching houses in the process.
He further added that the demand is not possible and warned them that the situation could worsen as there is limit to the tolerance level of Meitei community.
Reminding chief minister Biren of the role played by our forefathers in protecting the land from adverse elements, Joychandra said that in the present crisis in Manipur, we have to understand who our enemy is and who are not.
Since chief minister N Biren should be the leader of the present 'war' he cannot simply run away by resigning from the post of chief minister.
Rather he should step forward to win the battle by entering the war-held like a man and fight against those trying to disintegrate Manipur.
There can neither be a separate administration in Manipur nor should anyone challenge its territorial integrity .The government and the,people together should fight against all those forces trying to destroy Manipur, the president maintained.
He also urged all the 50 MLAs to stand together against any forces acting against the interest of the public and act according to wishes of the people.
The UCM president also pressed the government to provide adequate security to the farmers of the state so that they can carry out agricultural activities.
The function was also attended by UPF president Nongthombam Rupachan-dra, IPSA president Tourangbam Birjit, NIPCO president Oinam Prem-jit, PANDAM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, ACOAM Lup Kangleipak president Soraisam Sanjit, Kanglamei president Y Lei-rikleima and AMKIL vice president RK Bino as presidium members.
A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect for who laid down their lives for Manipur's territorial and emotional integrity on June 18, 2001 .