AMUCO moots Constitutional protection
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 01 2023:
A Clause to protect Manipur's territorial boundary must be inserted under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, said All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) .
AMUCO leaders made the statement during the "Way Forward Campaign" it organised at Irabot Memorial Park, Chalou, Lamlai.
AMUCO vice president T Gandhi, secretary general Dr Norendro Thokchom, IEDUCO president Dijwo Mangang, other leaders and representatives of local clubs attended the campaign.
Several AMUCO leaders who spoke at the campaign said the organisation has been facing and will continue to face threats to Manipur' integrity, her history, customs and rich traditions.
The present conflict and violent clashes that have taken placed first started in the afternoon of May 3 during ATSUM's "Solidarity March" in Churachandpur.
The violence was a result of and response to the war on poppy cultivation, drugs and actions taken up by the Government against illegal immigrants and efforts taken up to protect Protected and Reserved Forests and wildlife sanctuaries, said the leaders.
AMUCO believes that the way forward to end the conflict and restore peace, normalcy and harmony in Manipur is through the Government's sincere and mature efforts.
Therefore, to resolve the conflict and bring peace, AMUCO is demanding the Government of India to act on eight demands.
AMUCO's 8-point demands include;
1) Steps should be taken up to stop all clashes.
2) The Government should compensate and facilitate the return of all displaced people to their original places.
3) A clause to protect Manipur's territorial integrity must be inserted under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.
The Article 3 of the Indian Constitution has provisions to form new States and alter areas, boundaries or names of existing States.
A Clause to protect Manipur's territorial boundary must be inserted under this Article, said AMUCO.
4) NRC should be implemented in Manipur to detect illegal immigrants and deport them.
5) Reorganisation of districts to do away with divisions and political units based on community.
Reorganise Kangpokpi district which was earlier known as Sadar Hills and Bishnupur district to protect the interests of smaller communities that are under Churachandpur district.
6) Moreh and Beihang should be made special administrative zones.
These places are special economic zones and are inhabited by different communities.
Considering the strategic importance, these places should be made special administrative zones, said AMUCO.
7) Protection of community reserved forests.
8) Curb narco-trade and poppy cultivation.