Imphal, Jan. 8: Manipuris vowed to protect the territorial integrity of the state today, a day before the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah meet Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for talks on the issue of “Greater Nagalim”. A mammoth rally, organised by the Solidarity Committee on the Territorial-Ethnic Integrity of Manipur (SCTEIM), was supported by more than 300 social organisations, including women’s organisations. Nearly one lakh people from all communities, including Nagas, attended the rally.
The rally began from the THAU ground sports complex and converged at the Khuman Lampak sports complex, where a public meeting was held.
The meeting reaffirmed the resolutions adopted by the massive rallies taken out here on August 4, 1997, and September 28, 2000, to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Recalling the June 18, 2001 uprising, in which 18 people lost their lives, today’s rally resolved that the people of Manipur would stand united against any threat to its territorial integrity.
After the rally, SCTEIM sent a six-page memorandum to the Prime Minister. Federal Party of Manipur MLA Irengbam Hemochandra and Manipur State Congress Party legislator Vivek Raj also took part in the rally.
Speaking at the rally, professor of political science, Manipur University, Ksh. Bimola Devi, said the ongoing peace talks should not include the issue of Manipur’s boundary. P. Gangte, president of Kuki Inpi Manipur, said, “We want peace, but the peace should not be brought about at the cost of Manipur’s integrity.”
Meibon Paomei, president of Zeliangrong United Committee, Manipur valley, a Naga organisation, was of the opinion that all should support the peace talks, “but should inform the Indian government that the settlement should not affect the boundary of Manipur.”
Pointing out that Manipur was a hilly state, social worker and noted film personality, A. Shyam Sharma, opposed the division of Manipur as hills and valley. “The Centre should inform the people of Manipur what it is being discussed between it and the Naga outfit,” Sharma demanded.