Imphal: A historic rally was on Saturday taken out, participated by over two lakh people, for a peaceful Manipur and to denounce all move to disintegrate the state.
Such was the turnout that though the rally started at 1030 hrs it ended only around 1400 hrs.
The exact number of rallyists could not be known but it was estimated that it is almost equal or more than the earlier rallies taken out for integrity of Manipur. It must be around two to three lakhs according to an observer at the starting point.
The organisers however said large numbers of people joined the rally midway from every corner of the state and it was estimated that every household was represented by an individual. Starting at Thau ground the rally passed through the main roads of Imphal and culminated at Khuman Lampak where a public meeting was held.
Almost every community of Manipur including Naga, Kuki, Muslim, Meitei and other ethnic groups took part in the rally carrying festoons placards . They shouted slogans like “Long live Manipur”. They shouted slogans denouncing acts of some organisations like NSCN(IM) and some of its frontal organisations which issue statements for disintegration of Manipur. Even though the United Naga Council (UNC) imposed bandh today people from all the hill districts and leaders of all tribal villages came to take part in the rally.
The rally is organised by AMUCO, CCSK and UCM and supported by over 300 organisations of the state. The speakers during the public rally said the massive turnout has put a death knell on all those who issue statements for disintegration of Manipur like the NSCN (IM). Village Chiefs and leaders of organisations from all the hill districts specially Kuki and Naga stated that they want to live peacefully as Manipur has been in existence for over 2000 years with a common history and ancestory. It was further stated that for ages all have been living peacefully until talks started between the government and the NSCN(IM) in 1997 and the prolonged talks have created an atmosphere of distrust amongst the people. All resolved to work for a peaceful and united Manipur.
Y K Dhiren, Convenor of the Organising Committee said the government should publish a white paper on the agreement with the NSCN(IM). Speaker after speaker appealed to the government of India to resolve the problems with the NSCN(IM) within Nagaland and not to disturb other neighbouring states.
Special security arrangements were taken up for the rally.
All the roads leading to Khuman Lampak were blocked and only people were allowed to walk upto the venue. As there were more two to three lakhs people it would be have been a chaos if vehicles were allowed according to police official who were on duty. (UNI)
