IT News
Imphal, Sept 28:
The 24th Manipur Integrity & Solidarity Day was observed today at the Sana Janmasthan Community Hall in Moirang Ningthou Leirak, Keishamthong, Imphal. The event commemorated the mass peace rally organized by the Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and the National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) in 2000, which aimed to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Speaking at the event, AMKIL President Lourembam Nganbi highlighted the significance of the day, recalling how lakhs of people had participated in the rally to oppose central government measures perceived as attempts to fragment Manipur while appeasing a particular armed group. She stressed that the commemoration is especially relevant today, as the state’s integrity is once again under threat from the influx of illegal immigrants and the activities of armed narco-terrorists.
Nganbi emphasized that the Meitei community, being the majority, has consistently reached out to other communities to maintain peace and protect the state’s integrity during communal clashes. However, she expressed concerns that the Indian government has, at times, undermined Manipur’s integrity, ignoring its historical status as a unified entity prior to its merger with India. She further criticized the current situation, where Manipur has been divided into hill and valley regions, creating a buffer zone. Nganbi accused Indian security forces of protecting illegal immigrants attacking valley residents and failing to defend Meitei villages. She lauded the sacrifices of village volunteers, who have taken on the responsibility of protecting their communities in the absence of adequate security forces.
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Nganbi stated that it could be resolved if the Indian government genuinely desired peace. She also reacted to a recent announcement by Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, who disclosed the entry of 900 trained Kuki militants into the state. Nganbi suggested that these militants had already entered Manipur, and Singh’s delayed revelation was aimed at escalating the crisis.
NIPCO representative Karam Sunil, speaking to the media, voiced strong opposition to the government’s plan to establish an airport in Churachandpur, calling it a divisive move. He questioned the rationale behind spending crores of rupees on the airport when the two highways connecting Manipur to the rest of India remain blocked, describing the project as an attempt to divide the state further.
The event was organized by the Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day Observation Committee and was attended by several prominent figures, including Chairperson Lourembam Nganbi, Vice Chairman Oinam Premjit, Thokchom Ramani, President of Nupi Samaj, Yambem Momom Leima, President of Tami Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, student leader K. Haridev, and advocate Jadumani, an advisor to the United Peoples’ Front (UPF).
