Meet gives shape to OSUNE-India set-up
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 17 2012:
Aimed at creating common forum of the North East region to facilitate dialogue with all stake-holders for ensuring communal harmony, social integration and to bring solidarity and unity among all ethnic groups a public hearing to form Organisation for Solidarity and Unity of North East india (OSUNE-India) was held at Manipur Press Club today.
The public hearing held with human rights activist advocate Khaidem Mani as the moderator was also attended by former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, ex-MLA Okram Joy Singh and other prominent individuals including Rose Mangsi, Ningthoujam Binoy, elangbam Manohar, Prof Sadananda, Pholendro, RK Rajendra, Arambam Lokendra and Thounaojam Iboyaima.
It is said that OSUNE-India will strive to conduct policy and legal advocacy campaigns in collaboration with stakeholders for possible amendment of the Indian Constitution to bring about a uniform civil code, uniform land laws, inner line permit system, lifting of AFSPA from all the districts of Manipur, protect Manipur's territorial and social integrity, abolish corruption, generate employment opportunities for the youths, recognise Pakhangba-Sanamahi religion, recognition of Meitei Mayek and for combating core issues of Manipur.
Giving his comment, O Joy contended that as North East region continues to remain under domination of the people of mainland India, the Govt of India is compelled to have sympathetic outlook to the people of the region.
Opining that the only way to overcome the mainland domination is to unite the people of the region, he said shedding off parochialism and sorting out a viable solution to various issues afflicting people of the region would be a significant achievement towards attaining the goal of regional unity.
Stating that even among the majority Meitei community there is huge conflict of interest, Joy called upon the Manipuris to put up a united front so as to defeat sinister ploys of adversary elements.
While the MPP leader also emphasised on the need to effectively tackle growing population of non-locals in Manipur, former CM Radhabinod Koijam describing India as a federal entity with unitary characteristics claimed that India's federalism is very weak.
Wryly remarking that only the unpopulated Kangla remains the only region which is left out of the purview of various groups demanding homeland or State within as well as from Manipur, RB Koijam also mooted that with the exception of Prime Minister, Home and Defence Ministers almost the entire mainstream India might not be aware of where Manipur lies.
In his address, Pholendro suggested that people of Manipur be referred as Manipuri rather that Meitei, Naga or Kuki as such separate references dilute the common entity, while Arambam Lokendra highlighted that to fully understand Manipur one must be acquainted with its history and geography.
While the first merger agreement was signed at the time of Maharaj Bodhchandra there is strong apprehension about whether the present generation would be witnessing similar agreements, Lokendra expressed.
Meanwhile, Rose Mangsi stated that Kukis are essential components in promoting the spirit of solidarity and unity in Manipur as they too are integral part of the State.
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