Centre must honor indigenous people and culture: AMUCO

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, June 14, 2019: Government of India must honor the indigenous people and  cultural tradition of Manipur, said president of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation Ph. Deban on the “18th Protest Day, Against the Divisive Policy of Govt. of India” observation at Kwakeithel Bazar, Imphal.

If the central government takes up any step on its own vested interest against the interest of the people that would affect integrity among the various ethnic groups, AMUCO and people will not remain silent, Deban said.

The central government must not take decision without the consent of the people of Manipur, he added.

Manipur was merged in India forcibly in 1949. Before Manipur got merged in India various ethnic groups have been living with peace and harmony along with a bonding of intimacy among each others. Since the day Manipur got merged in India the central government has been playing divide and rule policies among the various ethnic groups, Deban added.

The policy of central government came to light on 2001 when the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) signed the Bangkok declaration on cease-fire between central government and NSCN (I-M). Manipur people do not have objection with the agreement signed between the two parties but the agreement included the words “without territorial limit” that challenges the territorial boundary of Manipur. On June 14, 2001 student bodies, civil bodies and others call a meeting in connection with the issue. On June 18 the tragic incident happened where 18 people were martyred fighting for the integrity of Manipur. Since then June 14 has been observing as “Protest Day, Against the Divisive Policy of Govt. of India”, he added.

The central government can sign any agreement but the content should not be against the interest of Manipur people, Deban said.