Plea to stand united for Manipur integrity

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, September 29, 2019: There would be more martyrs than the martyrs died in the June uprising if the central government takes decision based on the interest of NSCN-IM and for the people who claim to be Nagas of Manipur, said National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) presdident Th. Manihar.

He was talking to reporters on the sideline of the 19th Manipur Integrity and solidarity day observation held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound in Imphal East on Saturday.

He said no Naga community was inhabitant in Manipur during its 2000 years of history. India government claimed that Nagaland has unique Naga history but there is no history of the said community in Manipur. During July 25, 2000 central government and NSCN (I-M) started signing the cease fire and in its hidden agenda of the ceasefire extension was included in all the Naga inhabitant areas. As the agreement was going to affect territory boundary of Manipur people started agitating against the cease fire extension, he added.

During the movement 18 people were martyred on June 18, 2001. In connection with the incident a mammoth rally was organised in the state on September 28, 2000. In giving solidarity of martyred soul and the mammoth rally the day has been observing asManipur Integrity and solidarity day observation, Manihar said.

If the Centre takes decision in the interest of the NSCN (I-M) and those who claimed to be Nagas of Manipur Manipur territory will be disintegrated, he added. So people need to take necessary steps before the central government announced the agreement signed with NSCN (I-M) which is likely to be announced by December as a Christmas gift, he said.

Haomi Research Guild chairman Robin Singlai said if a united voice is raised by both people of hills and valleys together then it will be heard by the central government to save the integrity of Manipur. Moment has come that Nagas of Manipur want to join the movement to protect the integrity of Manipur but due to fear they feel hesitant to raise the voice, he added. Accordingto the history of Manipur it is mentioned that Tangkhul and Meitei have blood relation. Before the adoption of new religion in both the hills and valleys people follow same religion as local deities. People should not hide the history of their forefathers, he added.