IMPHAL, Aug 4 : In commemoration of the historic mammoth rally of August 4, 1997, the 19th Manipur Integrity Rally was observed here today under the aegis of the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO).
Offering of homage at the Integrity Pillar (adjoining Mapal Kangjeibung) and a public convention were the main features of the Integrity Day observation.
Speaking at the public convention held at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall, AMUCO president Dr Y Mani Khuman said that the historic mass rally was taken out in response to the direct challenges posed by the cease fire agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM 19 years back.
It is said that the mass rally of August 4, 1997 was the biggest rally in the entire South East Asia. The historic rally successfully neutralised the challenges posed by external forces particularly Government of India and NSCN-IM.
Apart from commemorating the historic rally, people need to monitor and analyse the ongoing peace process between Government of India and NSCN-IM.
“We need to re-affirm and strengthen the common resolution adopted on the historic day”, Dr Y Mani Khuman asserted.
Even though the first anniversary of the Framework Agreement signed between India and Government of India was celebrated yesterday, no details of the agreement have been divulged yet.
“We cannot fight the external forces individually. Only the collective strength and unity can defeat the external forces”, he asserted.
As resolved 19 years back, all the communities and ethnic groups of Manipur must join hands and fight for a common cause and a shared destiny, Dr Mani said.
Compartmentalised movements driven by ethno-centric political aspirations are suicidal and such parochial movements will leave all the indigenous people with no future.
AMUCO is always prepared to join hands with civil society organisations of all ethnic groups in order to defeat all challenges and bring about a common ‘political mainstream’, he said.
Establishment of a separate militant group for Gorkha community and their (Gorkha community) claim of being indigenous people of the land cannot be accepted. They are, in fact, challenges to the indigenous people, Dr Mani added.
Irabot Foundation Manipur president Th Iboyaima, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president L Memchoubi, Kuki Inpi Manipur home affairs secretary Hemjathang Khongsai, Zeliangrong Union Imphal chairman DH Gaikhangmei and AMUCO advisor KT Rahaman too participated in the public convention as presidium members.
Families of the three students who were killed on the day of the mass rally were also present at the commemorative function
The gathering paid homage to the three students before token gifts were presented to their families.
