Imphal, Jun 22: In addition to taking stock of all the issues and problems besetting the State, Manipuris settled in different parts of the country have pledged to preserve the identity of Manipuris.

The fifth Manipuri National Convention organised by All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) and North East Students' Co-Ordinating Committee on Manipuri Identity (NESCOCOMI) is being attended by large number of delegates from different North Eastern States.

Speaking on the inaugural session of the five-day convention, general secretary of Progressive Students' Alliance of Barak Valley (Assam) A Bemthoi Chanu observed that a radical economic change is imminent following the opening of Asian Highway and Trans Asian Highway which would be a big blow to the Manipuris if they fail to adapt themselves to the strong current of globalization.

"It is paramount to produce entrepreneurs, resource persons, skilled labourers and political acumen otherwise we would be left with no other profession but porters," she cautioned.

President of DESAM K Chinglenkhomba raised serious concern over migrant influx and threats to Manipuri identity from different quarters.

Former Director of DDK Imphal Nongmaithem Pahari hailed the convention as a historic one for resource persons on several fields and all the Manipuri people from different States are provided a single platform to undertake a serious study of the various problems and issues besetting the State and its people.

The convention which was very much lively was somewhat dampened by the absence of the chief guest Chief Minister O Ibobi who informed of his inability to attend the convention because of illness only at the eleventh hour.

In response to the irresponsible conduct of O Ibobi, the chair for chief guest was left unoccupied throughout the convention.

Many of the delegates coming from outside the State felt insulted and strongly expressed their angst against the conduct of the Chief Minister.

Reacting to the absence of Ibobi, Pahari remarked that he was more seriously ill than Ibobi with half of his body paralysed but the significance of the convention was such that it could not be ignored at any cost.

He added "if he really cares and loves his brothers and sisters settling outside Manipur, he should have attended the convention".

Sinam Praksh of AMSU, Ch Chidananda of NESCOCOMI, Md Hanif Shah of All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation, Ambison Anth of Thangal Students' Union, Ashon Kharam of Kharam Students' Union and others also spoke on the occasion.

During the seminar session moderated by former VC of MU Prof IS Khaidem later in the day, two resource persons spoke on education.

The convention opened today with a mass rally bearing sacred fire from the historic Kangla and passing through the important roads of Imphal city would also conduct serious deliberations on human rights, migration and its consequences, economy and Manipuri National identity and other topics in the subsequent sessions.

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