Lakhs of people from all communities come together for “Unity Rally” to show strength
IMPHAL, February 6: In what could be the biggest rally ever in the history of the State, an estimated two lakh and more people came out to join the “Mass Rally for a Common Future of Manipur” making it clear that no one can disturb the territorial integrity of the State.
The size of the rally was such that although it was flagged off around 10am from THAU ground, and head of the rally reached the final destination Khuman Lampak Main Stadium at around 12:40pm, while the tail of the rally arrived there around 2:15 pm. Other observers pegged the number to be more than 3 lakhs.
The rally was also joined by several groups of people midway along the route.
The rally was organised by the United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Club Organisation and the Committee on Civil Society of Kangleipak under the theme “No one should compromise with the integrity of Manipur; Government of India should know the history of Manipur; Let us all shed communal sentiments and strengthen oneness and unity.”
After passing through Khuyathong, Nagamapal, Keishampat, Keisamthong, Yaiskul Police Lane, Thumbuthong, Konung Mamang, New Checkon, Minuthong and MMTA road concluded at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium where a public meeting was also held.
Almost every community of Manipur including Naga, Kuki, Meitei Pangal, Meitei, other indigenous communities, non-locals residing in the State took part in the rally.
Students from schools and colleges of various districts, representatives of civil society organisations based in the hills as well as the valley, sports players, private firms also joined the rally.
They shouted slogans “Long live Manipur, Manipur gi saktam kaiba yaroi, Chingmi tammi amatani,” etc.
Volunteers of different political parties including Congress and the BJP also participated in the rally.
Police personnel guarding the route also extended their service in ensuring that no untoward incidents occur during the rally.
A public meeting held at the Khuman Lampak at the end of the rally also discussed the present scenario and ways to build a stronger State and face all forces aiming to disintegrate the emotional and territorial integrity of the State.
Government offices, private firms, institutions, shops, all passenger services and markets remained closed for the day.
Manipur Titular king Leisemba Sanajaoba, Zeliangrong Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland vice president R Chandra Haomei, All Missionary and Evangelical Network Manipur president Rev Hillary Langhu, CCSK president Arjun Telheiba, UCM president Elangbam Johnson, Lishamlok Village chief, Moses Tangkhul, Aimol Tribe Union Manipur president RT Akehl Aimol, Purum Likely Village president Rinneichong Purum, North Maring Elders president K Yaima Maring, Paster Kungsong Wanbe Vaiphei Peoples Convention chairman TS Arek Vaiphei, Young Mizo Associaiton vice president IV Zonum Sana ex village secretary ofLumlangphui village Y Maipak Chothe Thadou Tribe Council president Yamkholun Haokip were present as the presidium members of the public meeting.
The rally has shown the unity of Manipur, titular king Leisemba Sanajaoba said at the public meeting.
We should not allow this unity to disappear, and should find ways to strengthen it, he appealed.
The concept of brotherhood should not be allowed to wither, he added.
Chandra Haomei said every community should respect each other and stop criticising other communities and instead look forward to strengthening the State.
He continued some individuals are trying to destroy the bond among the different communities of Manipur and disintegrate the State.
There are also communities which do not know and understand the history of the land and the relationship among the different communities, he observed.
Every community should be aware of the history of the land where we live, honour the integrity of the State and not work against it, he continued.
We should also avoid making statement which will hurt the sentiments of other people and instead work on strengthening the unity of the people, he added.
More than 40 communities live in Manipur and each and every community should be united in protecting and safeguarding the territorial and emotional integrity of the State, he observed.
Rev Hillary Langhu said the meaning of the massive rally can be fulfilled only when we bring equality among the communities.
Citing the recent incident of Mao community being chased away from Nagaland and the subsequent act of the people of Imphal who gave them a market to earn their livelihood, he said the different communities should not forget such kindness and sense of brotherhood.
Although all tribes are different from each other, we all should contribute equally for the welfare and protection of Manipur, he added.
Arjun said people from other parts of India look down upon the people of the North East Region although they call us Indians. They don’t consider us to be equal, he observed.
The Centre, he said has been playing divide and rule among the different communities of the region.
Manipur cannot be disintegrated by any force, he said.
He further appealed to all against any attempt to disintegrate Manipur.
Today’s rally is for the welfare of the future generation, said AMUCO president Dr Mani Khuman.
People of all communities should face any issue confronting the State together, he said observing that the coming together of all communities for the rally has showed the true unity of the State against the policies to disintegrate Manipur.
As long as the people have the sense of being a Manipuri, no one can destroy the integrity of the State, he observed.
We should continue to fight for the common cause, he added.
Let’s work together and grow together, he said.
Johnson said that the rally has showed the strength and unity of Manipur.
He said they have asked Centre’s interlocutor of the NSCN (IM) peace talk RN Ravi not to affect the territorial integrity of the land in bringing an agreement with the NSCN (IM).
However, the Centre is yet to give a reply, he said appealing to the people to be united.
The rally was also participated by Sagolband MLA RK Imo, Wangkhei MLA E Chand, members of the BJP and other political parties
It may be mentioned that due to the heat, many of the participants had collapsed and had to be rushed to hospitals. Several individuals, organisations and health clinics also provided relief in the form of water and medical help at different locations along the route. Medical institutes also provided ambulances. Proprietor of “Chicken Boy” Thoudam boy also provided drinking water at New Checkon area to the participants.