Imphal, July 06: With the brunt of indefinite economic blockade imposed All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) beginning to be felt more and more intensely by the common people, villagers living in remote hilly region of the State as well as those in the valley, cutting across communal divides have come out strongly against prolonging the ongoing agitation.

In separate statements, Chairman in-charge of Shijang village, Churachandpur district Lalpu Serto; secretary of Laining Khun (Turing Phien) Lalzarlien Hmar; chief of Dampi village, Jamkholen and secretary of Haotal Khullen Shojam Touthang asserted that it is unreasonable on the part of ANSAM to impose economic blockade over declaration of June 18 as State Integrity Day by the State Government thereby putting the lives of the common people at stake.

June 18 is a significant day for all the groups of people living in Manipur who sacrificed their lives for the sake of protecting the territorial integrity of the State, Shijang village chairman in-charge Lalpu Serto said.

Lalzarlien Hmar, secretary of Laining Khun categorically stated that the people of Manipur would never concede to extension of the ceasefire agreement signed between the Government of India and the Naga rebel outfit, NSCN (I-M) and creation of a Greater Nagalim by bringing all the Naga inhabited areas of the region under one administrative unit.

Moreover, the State Government should not take the present situation very lightly and should be held responsible for any eventuality, Lazarlien Hmar said.

Chief of Dampi village Jamkholien said the people of Manipur would have to offer their blood at the altar of Integrity before an inch of Manipur can be parted for the formation of Greater Nagaland.

The State Government should act with a clear understanding of the pulse of the people, Jamkholien said, while demanding the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur to ensure right to life to the people.

Secretary of Haotak Khullen Kuki village Shojam Touthang said, �we are strongly opposed to any move to dismember four Naga inhabited districts of Manipur for realising the dream of Greater Nagalim.

The integrity of Manipur should not be compromised at any cost, added.

Meanwhile, Haotak Tampak Khunou Meira Paibi Nupi Lup said that not a piece of land of Manipur could be given away as long as people of Manipur are alive.

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