Territorial integrity ‘at any cost’, vows Imphal

The resolution adopted at the meeting said the people of Manipur would ‘‘unitedly oppose attempt by any authority to disintegrate the state’’.

‘‘The territory of Manipur belongs to Manipuris (different communities living in the state) and cannot be parceled on the basis of the area occupied by the communities residing in it,’’ it said.

It further said, ‘‘Manipur with its present territory has been in existence for over 2,000 years as an independent princely state till it merged with the Indian Union in 1949.’’

Inhabited by different communities such as Meiteis, Tangkhuls, Maos, Kukis, Muslims and others, the state became an integral part of the Union after its merger, the resolution, a copy of which was provided to the press, said.

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Chief Minister Ibobi Singh said a monitoring cell having representatives from all parties would be set up soon to monitor the situation arising out of peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (I-M).

The Chief Minister said he would himself be the convenor of the cell. He said he was keeping in touch with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the two states besides Manipur whose portions were demanded by NSCN (I-M) for formation of ‘greater Nagaland’.

A statement circulated by all political parties after the meeting also appealed to the people to remain united, maintain communal harmony and two thwart any danger to the territorial integrity of Manipur.

State BJP president M. Bhorot Singh, Manipur People’s Party president O. Joy Singh, president of Manipur National Conference and former chief minister W. Nipamacha Singh, president of State Janata Party L. Iboyaima Singh, were present at the meeting.