IPOM observes Reconsolidation Month

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 9 : The Indigenous Peoples' Organisation Manipur (IPOM)  observed National Reconsolidation Month at Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai, Imphal West, today.
Held under the theme "Eikhoi Amuk Khuntaklaroishi", the event began by  offering floral tributes to the photograph of Maharaj Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba.
Speaking at the occasion, IPOM president Advocate Y Devadutta called upon the diverse communities of Manipur to forgive past grievances and come together in the spirit of reconciliation.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts to protect and preserve the integrity of the State, urging all to work collaboratively for a peaceful and harmonious future and appealed to the people to recollect the pivotal role played by Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba in restoring the sovereignty of Manipur during the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (Seven Years' Devastation).
Stating that external forces have been scheming to create divisions among the diverse communities of Manipur, Devadutta reaffirmed that the people of both the hills and valley, however, can never be separated.
Manipur is made up of both the hills and the valley, and one cannot exist without the other, he said, urging everyone to uphold and carry forward the legacy of Manipur, which has existed as a sovereign kingdom for thousands of years.
Retired Professor of Manipur University, Naorem Joykumar, who was the chief guest at the event, also appealed to the people of Manipur to unite and work together while respecting the idea of Manipur.
He stated that Kangleipak was invaded by the Burmese who exploited the disunity among the royal families, leading to the tragic event of the Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (1819-1826).
Joykumar said that the Manipur Levy, which fought to restore the sovereignty of Kangleipak, was not composed solely of Meiteis, but also included people from diverse communities, including the Cacharis.
The retired Prof also said that Kabo Valley was given to the Awas on January 9, 1834, the day Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba died.
IPOM general secretary Rakesh Moirangthem stated that it is the illegal immigrants from Myanmar who have been causing unrest in Manipur and challenging the territorial integrity of the State.
The territory of Kangleipak was much larger in the past and was safeguarded by the kings, he said and added that today, however, the 22,327 sq km of Manipur is under constant threat due to the disunity among the people.
FOCS president Th Manihar, MPCM president Haji Araphat Tampakmayum and PALEM president Kumabam Jibanmala also attended the  programme among others.