Imphal, January 08: As part of the year-long campaign on Unity, Development and Peace in Manipur which kicked off from THAU ground, Thangmeiband on November 18 last year, a public meeting cum discussion session was held at Wabagai Keithel Macha of Thoubal District today.

It was the second such discussion sessions to be organised at eight different places of Thoubal district during the second phase of the campaign.

The campaign will cover all the districts of Manipur in a phase-wise manner.

The public meeting cum discussion organised under the aegis of organising committee campaign UNIDEP formed jointly by various social organisations like AMUCO, AMESCO, MEPWAK, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur, etc proceeded with AMUCO general secretary NC Khuman, advisor of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur Ibechoubi, advisor of All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation Bijoy Khaidem, president of Khunai Kanba Apunba Lup W Maipak Devi, president of Malem Chaokhat Lup M Dhaneshwore, Pradhan of Keirak Gram Panchayat Th Eshingchaobi, president of SEDO Hiyanglam H Pradip Mangang, Sahitya Akademi awardee M Nabakumar, Pradhan of Hiyanglam Gram Panchayat E Sarat and Hengkholen Tangku as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, AMUCO vice president KT Rahaman explained that the UNIDEP campaign is being launched with the sole objective of mobilisation collective involvement of the people in finding out solutions to the problems plaguing the State today.

The UNIDEP campaign is not for or against any particular communities.

It is for all the people living in Manipur, he said while appealing to all the organisations and individuals to extend their support and participate in it.

Phulendro Konsam of Human Rights Alert observed that there is an inalienable bond between the hill and valley people since time immemorial and it could not be separated.

So we have to understand who are trying to drive wedge and set one community against another for their own vested interest, he added.

AMUCO secretary general NC Khuman said senseless destruction of the natural resources in the name of development would cost us dearly in the long run.

So we should collectively oppose such 'destructive development'.

Taking the issue of migrant problem, NC Khuman said influx of outsiders has not only given as serious impact of the demographic character of the State but on the socio-economic condition of the indigenous people.

AMESCO vice president LS Guite pointed out Meeteis who formed the majority community in Manipur should play an major role in bringing about unity, development and peace in the State.

Encouraging inter-caste marriage among the people would also held in cementing the existing bond among the various groups of people living in the State, he noted.

Assistant secretary of AMUCO Dayananda Chingtham and Dr N Nilakanta of National Research Centre were also among those who spoke at the occasion.

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