Naga solution must not harm Manipur: AMUCO
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2019: The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has asserted that the Government of India (GoI) must work out an amicable solution to the Naga issue but it should not impinge upon the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary in any manner.

Commemorating the historic mega rally of August 4, 1997, the 22nd Manipur Integrity Day was observed today under the aegis of AMUCO.

The 22nd Manipur Integrity Day observation was marked by offering of floral tributes at the Integrity Pillar located to the eastern side of Mapal Kangjeibung and northern side of Mani-pur State Museum which was followed by a public convention at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall.

Speaking to media persons at the Integrity Pillar, AMUCO president Ph De-ban asserted that August 4 is the most significant day in the history of contemporary Manipur.

Naga solution must not harm Manipur: AMUCO

On August 4, 1997, around five lakh people belonging to all the communities of the State took out a historic rally ringing a loud and clear message to the whole world that the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary are non-negotiable.

The rally was followed by a public convention where several resolutions were adopted collectively by all the communities of the State.

From the following year (1998), the Manipur Integrity Day was observed every year on August 4 in commemoration of the historic rally, he said.

Elucidating the reasons and the purpose of the historic rally, Deban recalled that GoI and NSCN-IM signed a cease fire agreement on August 1, 1997 and all the people of both the hills and the valley felt a strong apprehension that the same cease fire agreement would challenge the integrity of Manipur.

It was this common apprehension which brought together all sections of the society to take out the historic mammoth rally under the aegis of AMUCO, he asserted.

Foundation for the Integrity Pillar was laid with earth brought by leaders of different communities from all the districts of Manipur with a pledge that 'our integrity, our territorial boundary would be safeguarded collectively and we will live together'.

However, GoI has been continuously scheming to disintegrate Manipur.

The cease fire agreement which was confined to the State of Nagaland was expanded without territorial limits by inserting the words 'without territorial limits' in the Bangkok Agreement signed between GoI and NSCN-IM on June 14, 2001 and it gave birth to the historic civil movement of June 18, 2001.After Manipur was literally put on fire for over a month, GoI removed the words 'without territorial limits' from the Bangkok Agreement on July 27, 2001, Deban recalled.

Later, a Framework Agreement was signed between GoI and NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015 but its details have not been divulged yet.

The recent appointment of interlocutor RN Ravi as the Governor of Nagaland has turned out to be food for thought for all the people, remarked the AMUCO president.

New Delhi must bring an amicable solution to the political dialogue but no solution should challenge the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary.

At the same time, GoI must refrain from all political manoeuvres which would create ethnic division in the State, Deban said.

"All the people of Manipur must stand united to protect the State and we must all live and prosper as one", he asserted.

It was late Chief Minister W Nipamacha which laid the foundation stone for the Integrity Pillar apart from allotting necessary land.

Expressing keen desire to construct a park around the Integrity Pillar after evicting all encroachers from the area, Deban exuded that the incumbent Government would certainly construct a park around the Integrity Pillar.

AMUCO president Ph Deban, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president L Memchoubi, Kuki Inpi Manipur president Khaimang Chongloi, Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) vice-president Chandra Haomei and All Manipur Muslim Development Organisation president Y Zakir Hussain attended the public convention held at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai as presidium members.