Imphal, Aug. 13: Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today called on the Naga and Kuki organisations in the state to shun "sectarian political aspirations" and work as one for a strong and developed state.

Addressing a Patriots' Day function at Bir Tikendrajit Park here, Biren Singh made it clear that fragmentation of the state on community lines will not be accepted.

Manipur observes Patriots' Day every year on this day to pay tribute to the heroes of the state who fought against the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War in 1891. On this day, the British hanged Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal at the site of the Bir Tikendrajit Park.

Three other freedom fighters, Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and Chirai Naga, were also hanged to death on different dates at the then Central Jail here.

Led by governor Najma Heptulla and Biren Singh, residents paid floral tributes at Shahid Minar, constructed at the park in memory of the martyrs.

"In honouring the Manipuri heroes who fought the mighty British knowing that they would lose the war, all communities of the state should stand as one to protect Manipur. There is no Naga's land, Kukis' land or Meiteis' land. Manipur belongs to all communities living in it," Biren Singh said.

His statement came in view of the demand by the United Naga Council and other Naga organisations for a separate administrative arrangement and demand for creation of a separate Kuki state by militant groups that are having tripartite talks with the Centre and the state government.

Stating that his government is working hard to bring equal development both in the hills and in the valley, the chief minister appealed to all not to disturb the integrity of Manipur.

He also appealed to militant groups to eschew violence and come to the negotiating table. "Negotiation is the only means of settling differences and resolve issues in a democratic country," he said.

The chief minister announced that the joint interrogation cell would be shifted from Kangla fort to another place.

The joint interrogation cell was set up while the Assam Rifles' headquarters was in the fort and it is still being used as cell for interrogation of arrested militants and other criminals by state police and all the security agencies operating in the state.

Though the Assam Rifles' headquarters was removed from the fort in 2004, the joint interrogation cell continues to exist there. "The cell is being moved to preserve its sanctity," Biren Singh said.

Kangla was the seat of Manipur's power before it was captured by the British.

The governor also called upon the people of the state to work together and take the state forward.