Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 30:
The Youth March, 2007 organised by Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) which was flagged off from Andro on September 22 concluded at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen located at Palace Compound here today.
Responding to the call of MAFYF, around 300 youths converged at Andro on September 21 for participation in the Youth March.
After covering many places including Senapati, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts, the participants arrived at Andro again yesterday.
From there they marched upto Palace Compound here today to conclude the march.
Covering a distance of about 60 kms, the Youth March from Andro to Palace Compound was led jointly by general secretary of MAPI Council Bimol and president of MAFYF Sapamcha Kangleipal.
The valedictory function held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen was attended by MLA Dr I Ibohanbi, MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal and editor of Freedom daily RK Ranendrajit as chief guest, functional president and special guest respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Sapamcha Kangleipal explained that the Youth March, 2007 was organised with the main objective of mobilising and set up a democratic and unified youth force.
In Youth March, 2008, no less than 1000 youths are expected to participate with the objective of realising the vision of a fearless Manipuri nation.
Kangleipal said for the Manipuris, the Indian democracy is like empty seed.
The people of the State have not been able to lead a life without fear and intimidation and they have not enjoy any rights that are given to citizens of an independent nation.
So there is the need on the part of Manipuri youths to continue with their sacrifices for the cause of the deprived people of the State, Kangleipal said.
While sharing some of his memorable experiences during the Youth March, Kangleipal observed that attempt made by personnel of the 22 Maratha Light Infantry to stop the march as it approached Maibam Lokpa Ching had given him more vigour while the look of surprise on the face of some Army personnel who stood on the road side and watch the march at Yumnam Huidrom was one moment that he had felt really exhausted.
In his address, RK Ranendrajit said the meaning and the importance of such a Youth March would enhanced only when each of the participants of Youth March, 2007 become brand ambassadors of MAFYF and share their experiences with others.
There is no age limit or timing for making sacrifice for the cause of the people and the nation and if necessary much more longer marches have to be taken out, he exhorted while recalling the 'Manipuri Expedition' that was organised by MMTA in 1985 covering the entire length and breadth of Manipur.
MLA I Ibohanbi who also spoke at the occasion expressed serious concerned over the existing unsettling relation between the hill and the valley people, mutual distrust among the social organisations working for the cause of the people and the difficulties being faced by the people due to prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur.
Taking serious note of the incidents in which an Army major acted with arrogance with a senior Cabinet Minister and searching his own house by the Army, Ibohanbi said his party raised first issue in the Assembly and handed over the matter for necessary action to the Privilege Committee.