IMPHAL, November 13: The Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has categorically stated that the existing territorial integrity of the state would never be compromised on the demands of any group or faction.
Gaikhangam was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a felicitation function held in Imphal today. The state Home Minister is presently the CM incharge of the state.
He said, further division of the state is not a solution to problems plaguing the region while also making a appeal to all to avoid bandhs and blockades in the interest of general public.
The Deputy Chief Minister was today felicititated by the Chairman and members of Autonomous District Council of Tamenglong at Langol Tarung village and Ragailong in Imphal West district.
The Tamei MLA Khikhonbou Newmai and Tamenglong MLA Jamhenlung Panmei also attended the function in which gifts were presented to Gaikhangam by the ADC members.
Gaikhangam said, the state will not compromise it existing boundary at any cost to appease a certain group or faction.
He urged all sections of the society to shun the ideology of separatism.
He said, “People of different communities were living in harmony since time immemorial in this beautiful tiny state of Manipur. One should not try to break this beautiful state and to create disharmony among the communities living in the state.
It may be recalled here that the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) had called an indefinite blockade on national and state highways passing through Kuki inhabited areas of the state, due to commence from 5 pm of November 15.
The KSDC called the blockade pressing New Delhi to initiate political dialogue with them regarding their demand for creation of a state for Kukis by slicing out Kuki inhabited areas of Manipur.
The committee had claimed entire districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, sub-divisions of Senapati district under Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council as Kukiland.
At Ragailong, the Deputy Chief Minister was jointly felicitated by the Zeliangrong Development Organisation and Zeliangrong Civil Organisation, Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Gaikhangam said, “We should never forget that we are all Manipuris. We should work hard for the welfare of the people with keeping in mind that we are Manipuris. We cannot work with the mindset focusing on the concept of indigenous. If we work together in harmony and peace there will be development in Manipur.”
Gaikhangam who is the MLA of Nungba constituency also holds the post of president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
The functions were also attended by Gaikhangam’s wife. Members of ADC, NGOs and other individuals presented the couple with gifts. Several song groups and dance troupes also performed during the functions.