Massive rally in Imphal protests ‘bid to disunite’ Manipur people

Imphal: More than one lakh people hit the streets of Imphal on Saturday demanding that the Centre should not involve Manipur territory as part of peace talks with Nagas.

The “mass rally for a common future of Manipur” was called by a joint committee compromising the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK).

“The main objective of holding the mass rally is to show to the world that no power can disunite the people of Manipur,” leaders of the joint committee said.

The rally comes against the backdrop of the Centre’s framework agreement with the Naga rebel group NSCN (I-M) in which redrawing of state territories was reportedly part of the agenda.

Leaders at the Imphal rally also hit out at the Centre for what it called “inept” handling of Northeast affairs.

Naga community leaders in Manipur had criticised the joint committee leaders saying they should not dictate the boundaries of the Naga people.