Imphal, January 08: Thousands of people marched in a procession in the state capita] here today against any move to disintegrate Manipur during the first over Naga peace talks on Indian soil between the centre and the NSCN(IM) in New Delhi tomorrow.

The processionists gathered at Thau ground.

Around 12.45 pm the rallyists marched towards Khuyathong, then proceeded towards Nagamapal and passed through Wahengbam Leikai, Keishamthong, Yaiskul and marched on at Thambuthong and Thangapat areas, it proceeded towards Wangkhei, New Checkon, Minuthong and culmianted at Khuman Lampak.

where a public meeting was held.

The rallyists tried to enter the silent zone but the police did not allow them to proceed.

Large numbers of people came out to participate in the rally.

People from all communities participated.

Women came out in large numbers.

Immediately after the rally started people closed down their shops and joined the rally.

I Hemochandra and Vivek Raj Wangkhem MLAs participated in the rally.

Speakers at the meeting called for protection of the territorial integrity of the state at all times and asked different communities to live in peace and harmony.

The people of Manipur will never tolerate any attempt to disintegrate the state while settling any issue with any underground group, the speakers said.

The meeting was organized by the 'solidarity committee on the territorial integrity of Manipur'.

Official sources said security measures were tightened at different points during the rally.

The situation was peaceful.

It resolved to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

A memorandum was sent to the Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee urging him to make a categorical statement for the protection of the territorial/ethnic integrity of Manipur.

The Prime Minister was urged to amend Art 3, 3'71.The memorialists include All Manipur Meira Paibi United Action Committee, Poirei Apunba Leimarol Meira Paibi Manipur, All Manipur Nupi Marup, Manipur International Youth Centre, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Bar Association, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj, All Manipur Awang Nongpok Nupi Lamjing Lup, All Manipur Ethnic Socio Cultural Organization, SCTEIM, Manipuri Students' Federation.

The declaration of 4 August 1997 in which it was stated "The people of Manipur shall resists as one man, the sinister and diabolic designs which pose a tremendous imminent threat to the territorial integrity of the state and the ethnic symbiotic harmony of its people", was also reaffirmed.

It was reminded that the Manipur State Assembly four times took resolutions to demand integrity of Manipur.

The sacrifice of Kabaw Valley, to Burma (Myanmar) was reminded.

It was reminded that the existing Constitution of India lacks the necessary and sufficient authority to supercede Manipur's unique historical status.

It pointed out that Manipur's territorial-ethnic integrity which survives history for two thousand years and which shall survive for all time to come remains absolutely inviolable.

Both the constitutional law, constitutional history provides norms and principles for safeguarding the existing boundary and territorial integrity of Manipur.

The two Naga leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah finally landed on the Indian soil this afternoon from Amsterdam, the capital of Netherlands by a KML flight.

According to Star News the NSCN(IM) is likely to demand when the talks are held tomorrow In its talks with the government, the NSCN (IM) leadership is likely to demand: Dual citizenship for residents of Nagaland; A separate state flag, which will be next in importance to the tricolour; Local names for the Nagaland assembly, and new titles for ministers; Minimal central interference in day-to-day governance; And the most controversial and emotive issue of a greater Nagalim or the unification of all the Naga dominated areas of the north-eastern states.

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