IT News
Imphal, Mar 2:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) has organized a sit-in protest in front of its office at Lamphel to condemn the arson of the organisation’s office. UCM President Joychandra Konthoujam addressed the media denouncing the act of arson of the UCM office which occurred on February 23.
He narrated the history of UCM saying that the organization was established in 2001 for the protection of Manipur’s traditional boundaries, the preservation of Manipuri identity, and the holistic development of the hill-valley region with the motto “Peace, Unity, and Integrity.” It emerged during people’s movement which rose against the cease-fire agreement between the Indian state and NSCN IM which included the phrase “without territorial limit.”
Expressing deep concern over the destruction caused by the fire, Joychandra Konthoujam lamented the loss of valuable documents, including treaties and manuscripts, and books authored and given by eminent personalities. The UCM office also serves as the office for the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), further exacerbating the impact of the arson attack. “It is disheartening to witness the destruction of people’s property and the erasure of our collective heritage,” Joychandra Kongthoujam added.
Joychandra Konthoujam urged the perpetrators to provide clarification for their actions, drawing parallels to historical instances such as the burning of ancient manuscripts (puyas) and the central library. “In the past, organizations would explain their motives for any wrongdoing. Yet, we have not received any clarification regarding this incident,” he stated. Furthermore, highlighting the government’s inaction in apprehending the culprits, he criticized the lack of action on the part of the Government on this matter.