Calls for a mechanism to check inflow of migrants in Manipur marked the observance of the 15th Manipur Integrity Day by organizing a mass rally to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state at MDU Hall here on Saturday.

The event was organized by All Manipur United Clubs Organization (AMUCO) remembering the infamous massive rally that was carried out on the streets in Imphal on this day in 1997 to showcase that all communities residing in Manipur wanted to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

According to police sources, an estimated of around three lakh people from across the state took part in the rally even as the organizers count to over five lakh.

Speakers at the function blamed the government of India, who are holding peace talks with the NSCN (I-M), of trying to break apart Manipur and create enmity among hill and valley people.

All Manipur United Clubs Organization president KT Rehman said “people of the region knew that Nagas as a whole is not a party to this sinister design and All Manipur United Clubs Organization has been working to thwart such attempt and promote peaceful coexistence among the hill and the valley people”.

“Every communities living in the state have the right to protect and promote their cultural tradition, language, religious belief and social order.

But All Manipur United Clubs Organization would not tolerate any attempt to disturb the territorial integrity of the state in the name of protecting such rights”, he added.

He further alleged that the “government of India has been instigating bloodshed among the Naga people by encouraging one faction of the NSCN with the claim of recognizing the unique history of Nagas”.

On the other hand, leaders of various civil organizations, both hill and valley based, stressed the need for a mechanism to check inflow of migrants into the state.

The leaders asserted that the unchecked inflow of the migrants was another challenge to the state integrity.

As part of the observance, the public offered floral tributes at the Integrity Pillar at Mapal Kangjeibung and paid homage to those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of protecting the territorial integrity of the state.