Imphal, April 30: The third phase of the UNIDEP Campaign held at different places of Imphal East district concluded today.

The third phase of the campaign organised by the UNIDEP Campaign Committee constituted by AMUCO, AMESCO, AMAWO-VA, MEPWAK, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Manipur and other social organisations culminated with a public meeting today at Sagolmang High School ground.

At the gathering attended by leaders and members of numerous Meira Paibi organisations and civil societies, secretary general of AMUCO NC Khuman spoke on "Unity, Development and Peace", advisor of the All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation Bijoy Khaidem spoke on "A historical perspective on sovereignty of Manipur and preservation of its territorial integrity", AMESCO president LC Guite dwelt on "unifying force among the different ethnic groups and the need of it for a prospective future", AMAWOVA president N Chaobi Chanu spoke on "Misplaced development projects" and editor of Orient Vision S Bhubon on "Role of major community in bringing unity, development and peace" as resource persons.

In his speech, AMUnCO president R Yangsosong Koireng reiterated that the several development projects being taken up in the State are anti-people by nature and spirit.

None of the so called development projects are in accordance to the aspirations of the people, he asserted.

Such misplaced development projects have been only increasing the distrust among various ethnic groups of the State, thereby posing serious threat to the integrity of the State.

Corroborating his allegation of misplaced development projects, Yangsosong asserted that the Mapithel Dam being constructed by IFCD would not only inundate several paris of agricultural fields in the valley but would also submerge for eternity all the villages in the surrounding area of the dam.

Such schemes conceived for the welfare of a few privileged are never seen as development projects by the common people, he remarked.

To bring a meaningful and equitable development in the State, all the ethnic groups must unite together, he said.

Emphasising on the responsibility of Meira Paibis in the prevailing restless society of Manipur, the AMUCO president maintained that the erstwhile peaceful and united State of Manipur having a glorious history of 2000 years was fragmented and divided along communal lines by outsiders after giving the people different nomenclatures.

At such a critical juncture, the people of Manipur need to identify their common people who have driving wedges among the various ethnic groups.

Only then peace and development will become a reality in Manipur, he concluded.

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