Imphal, June 18: Unlike in the last few years, wherein observations related to the June 2001 events like paying of floral tributes were organised at different venues, many prominent individuals who joined the masses in offering obeisances to the martyred souls at the Kekrupat complex today not only expressed relief on seeing the commemorative programme commencing from the memorial site but also opined that efforts to re-ignite age-old relationships amongst diverse communities is moving in the right perspective.

The opinions of some of the personalities who came to pay their respect to the martyrs at the Kekrupat memorial complex on the ways and means of bringing about unity among all the groups of people in Manipur are reproduced here.

Expressing happiness over seeing the representatives of AMUCO and UCM offering floral tributes to the martyrs at Kekrupat, internationally renown theatre exponent/personality Ratan Thiyam observed that 'the pace of development in Manipur is very slow, there can be no development without peace'.

Stating that there is the urgent need to improve the education system and health care facilities to the level where it is accessible to all the people, he said future generation would talk about and feel regret if a beautiful Manipur is not bequeathed.

When asked what should be bequeathed to the future generation by the present generation, Ratan said 'we are one', the legacy of oneness and unity should persist.

'We should always remember the sacrifices made by all those for safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur', he added.

When asked whether there is the need for the underground organisations in Manipur to hold dialogues with the Government to resolve the current political conflict, Ratan evading a direct reply said 'I am not a politician, but talks is very essential for resolving any deadlock'.

Prof Rose Mangshi Haokip opined that there can be peace in Manipur only when 'we keep aside the personal interest for the sake of the greater interest of the State'.

No room should also be given for others to play divide and rule policy among the hill and the valley people, she added.

Chief Minister in-charge and FCS Minister Th Debendra asserted that the Government has been trying to maintain peace and harmony among different communities living in Manipur.

MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam too shared the same opinion.

UCM president K Langamba said he felt nice to have representatives of AMUCO and UCM coming together and offering floral tributes at the Kekrupat memorial site today.

'This is also what UCM wants', he said, adding that if the Government can give an assurance on development and maintenance of Kekrupat properly then the office of the Construction Committee would be shifted immediately.

AMUCO president Yangsosong Koireng hoped that from next year onward the commemorative service may be observed jointly.

'As for this year, floral tributes have been offered jointly', he added.

Ministers of the SPF Government, MLAs and people of various communities paid their homage to the martyrs at their Kekrupat memorial today.

Comment