The 26th Manipur Integrity and Solidarity Day was observed at Lamyanba Shanglen here today under the joint aegis of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ema Lup (AMKIL) and National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO).
As part of the observance, participants observed a one-minute silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the June 18, 2001 uprising.
Speaking to the media, AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi said the observance commemorates the mass rally held on September 28, 2000, against perceived threats to Manipur’s territorial integrity. She referred to the June 14, 2001 ceasefire extension between the Government of India and NSCN (IM), which contained the phrase “without territorial limits,” and said the move had triggered widespread protests in Manipur. Historical accounts confirm that the clause was later withdrawn by the Government of India following the protests.
Nganbi further said the people of Manipur had demonstrated their opposition to any move perceived as affecting the State’s territorial integrity and stressed the need for unity among different communities.
She also raised concerns over the present situation in Manipur, including illegal immigration and the activities of armed groups. She questioned the continued presence of armed groups and alleged that civilians were being affected while people defending their land faced action.
The programme was attended by AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi, NIPCO president Oinam Premjit, COCOMI convenor and UCM president YK Dhiren as presidium members, along with Lairenjam Gojen, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Manipur College, as resource person.