The National Identity Protection Council (NIPCO) on Tuesday, during the observance of its 22nd foundation day, called for unity among all the ethnic groups of Manipur to pave a better future and a stronger Manipur.
The foundation day was held at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, DM College campus in Imphal West.
Since its establishment, NIPCO had been playing a vital role in strengthening the bonds between the indigenous groups settling in the state for making an egalitarian society under the ideology of integrity, peace and unity, said NIPCO general secretary Siraj Nongyaimayum in his keynote address.
NIPCO volunteers have been visiting each and every village in every nook and cranny of Manipur, spreading the message of love and unity, he said.
Unfortunately, the Government of India has been challenging the integrity of the state by playing its divide and rule policy, he further said, adding, "We need to know who our real enemy is and real friends are."
He further apprised to stay alert from those who attempt to fool the public and destroy the integrity of Manipur. The people of Manipur should never accept administrative divisions or set ups based on ethnic lines, he added.
“Due to lack of unity and difference of ideology among the ethnics groups, the outsiders are ruling over us and are throwing various challenges against the integrity of Manipur,” he said.
Without unity among the ethnic groups, the fate of Manipur will be in peril, he said and appealed to all to strive together with oneness and pave a better future of Manipur.
Various CSO leaders of Manipur and media personnel were felicitated during the observance.
People from various communities gave performances in an event titled ‘Rhythm of Unity (Apunbagi Tantha)’ which was held as a part of the occasion.
The function was also attended by NIPCO president Oinam Premjit; IMOM president Rengenson Thanga (Chiru); NIPCO former president M Medun (Maring); Haomi Research Guild Manipur chairman Robin Shinglai (Tangkhul); Zeliangrong Union vice-president Athai Kamei (Kabui); Thangal Union convenor Art and Culture Sailash Ant (Thangal); GP Women College professor Abdul Hakim Shah; KSUM former president Abraham Shaichal (Kharam) as presidium members.
