Imphal, April 30: The Yaipharok Maring village has pledged to extend all possible support for a plebiscite in Manipur.

A public meeting held today at the community hall of the village adopted a resolution to this effect among others.

To bring about peace in Manipur and to end the Manipur-India conflict, plebiscite is a must, said another resolution adopted during the meeting.

To draw the attention of UNO for plebiscite in Manipur and to prevail upon the UNO to exert pressure on the Government of India towards this end were the other resolutions adopted today.

The meeting which centred around 'Peoples' Responsibility in the Resolution of Manipur-India Conflict Through Plebiscite' was jointly organised by All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association and Yaipharok Maring Village Authority.

Speaking at the occasion as resource person, Joy Nongmaithem reminded that Marings are one of the indigenous peoples of Manipur.

He iterated that Manipur is inhabited by many such indigenous peoples with its own political boundary, constitution, language, script, culture and tradition.

He however conveyed his fear that the population of non-Manipuris has now exceeded the population of the indigenous tribes of the State.

Moreover, in several pockets of Imphal city, Meiteis have been rendered minority because of the incessant influx of the outsiders, he added with anxiety.

While the Manipuris are required to gain certain qualifications for employment under the enterprising and shrewd non-Manipuris, these outsiders can earn their livelihood without a single penny as their capital, noted Joy.

He added that they can thrive very well just by selling water from Kangla moat.

Taking into account the restless atmosphere filled with uncertainty every moment and the incursion by outsiders in all walks of life, the moment is right to hold the plebiscite in Manipur now, observed Joy.

Addressing the meeting, Basantakumar Nahakpam while calling upon the people to guard against non-Manipuris taking the reins of Manipur, maintained that numerous 'double edged' policies of the Union Government has thrown the people of the State into a state of restlessness and uncertainty.

He noted that despite prolonged and massive movement for repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, the Government of India is deliberately sidelining the issue by one means or other.

The meeting culminated with the presentation of cultural dances by Maring Cultural Association.

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