India’s policy transforms Manipur’s work culture to agitation culture,says AMUCO

All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) has accused India of transforming Manipur’s work culture into “agitation culture” as the apex body of local youth clubs, women bodies and CSOs observed the 28th Integrity Day in Imphal on Monday.
The AMUCO has been observing August 4 each year as Integrity Day to commemorate a massive rally marched on the streets of Imphal on this day in 1997 against the Central government’s alleged attempt to disintegrate Manipur with participation by over five lakh people from different walks of life.
This year’s observance was marked by offering of floral tributes to those who laid down their lives for the cause of state integrity at the Integrity Pillar near BT Park, Imphal.
It was followed by a formal observance function at GM Hall, Imphal.
Talking on the sideline of the observance, AMUCO president Nando Luwang said that the apex body has been advocating for equality and peaceful co-existence among the indigenous communities living in the state.
However, divisive policies and programmes of New Delhi have left the state in a state of constant tensions and uncertainty.
The constant tensions and uncertainty has transformed the work culture of the people of the state into agitation culture, he alleged.
He maintained that the government’s claim of peace being restored in the state “is a negative peace and not a positive one.
He alleged that the Central leaders, particularly the Union home minister, have been repeatedly, including in the Parliament, claiming restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
However, the question is will peace be said to be returned when no sound of gunshot is heard, Luwang said.
“It will be wrong to say peace is returned when there is no firing. What we see today in Manipur is not a positive peace but a negative peace,” he said.
Peace is there in the state cannot be said until and unless the IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) return to their original places, he added.
At the same time, he said that the future of Manipur should be decided by its people and if another force from outside intervened it would be disastrous.
On the other hand, addressing the gathering the AMUCO president stressed that Integrity Day was not merely a remembrance of past events, but a reminder of the enduring responsibility to protect Manipur’s unity and identity.
“The people of Manipur stood united in 2001, and we will continue to stand united in 2025,” he said.
“Our history testifies that we will not allow any force to divide us. Integrity Day reminds us to remain vigilant and committed,” he added.
Luwang also renewed his appeal to all indigenous communities – Meitei, Nagas, Kukis, Pangals, and others – to foster peace, mutual respect, and solidarity while asserting that “Manipur’s true strength lies in its unity.”
He declared that any threat to its integrity, whether political or ideological, will be met with a “firm, peaceful, and united response.”
Leaders of various CSOs, student bodies, women’s groups and senior citizens highlighted the need for a strong civil society to serve as the moral compass of the state.
They urged the youth to learn from history and uphold the hard-earned unity of Manipur.
The podium of today’s observance was adorned by presidents of AMUCO Nando Luwang, it’s advisor Eto Tongbram, Poirei Lemaron Meira Paibi Apunba Lup S Memcha Devi, Kabui Mothers’ Association Manipur P Hungpi Kamei and All Manipur Meitei Pangal Organisation Yumkhaibam Heiyatur Rehman