Imphal, February 13: A public meeting of all communities on Peace and Harmony was held on February 8 at Babupara Bus Terminus, Jiribam.

A statement issued by the National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) informed that the meeting attended by principal of Jiribam Hr.

Sec School, S Maniton, president of Jiri Development Organisation, H Indrakumar, vice president of Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Jangsat, president of All Jiribam Tribal Union, Hena Vaiphei, Sunil Karam of UCM, Y Nabachandra of NIPCO, Y Mema of Amkil, S Manoranjan of AMSU, N Bimol of Mapi Council, Nilamani Khanganba of IPSA, Sitara Begum of United Manipuri Muslim Women Association and many others as presidium members.

Moreover, Bengali Muslims, Meetei Pangals, Kuki, Hmar, Kabui, Vaiphei and other communities of Jiribam took part in the meeting, mentioned the statement.

S Maniton speaking on the occasion emphasised on the need for peace and harmony among different ethnic groups and communities to meet the common challenges and to dispel the sense of distrust and fear prevailing in the State.

Jangsat of Kuki Inpi, Jiribam called upon the people to stand up as one and tackle the various issues rather than fleeing away from the atrocities of security forces.

Further he noted that only mutual respect among the different ethnic groups without any sense of discrimination would be able to restore the age old communal harmony among the indigenous brothers of the land.

In his address, Y Nabachandra of NIPCO observed that we must be sensitive to the divide and rule policy being undertaken by external forces.

Noting that the people of the State are being denied the basic human rights and there is no security for the lives of our people, he urged for a lasting solution that would guarantee the rights and wish of the people, mentioned the statement.