A maximum statewide alert has been sounded in Manipur and heavy security deployed in capital Imphal, after an apex body of social organisations called for a torchlight rally on Thursday.

The organisations are against any moves to divide Manipur in the wake of the Naga talks.

Official sources said police and paramilitary forces deployed in far-flung areas were brought to Imphal for the rally called by the United Committee of Manipur.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to the people to make the rally peaceful.

His appeal comes even as he reviewed the situation in the backdrop of the 'Greater Nagaland' demand during the talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) in New Delhi,

Reports from Jiribam on the Manipur-Assam border said thousands of people marched in procession during the day in response to a call by the All Jiribam United Clubs Organisation.

UCM information secretary Joy Chingakham told reporters that several local clubs, organisations, women's groups, students and youths had pledged to participate in the torchlight rally.

The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, another social organisation, said, "No authority on earth can tear apart Manipur as long as all communities in it lived harmoniously and peacefully."

AMUCO spokesperson Tompok Likmabam said, "Manipur was not created by the British or India and no outside force can break up this historic state."

The latest wave of protests, including promulgation of 'indefinite emergency' and an 'Awareness Campaign' by the UCM followed remarks by NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah that Ukhrul [in East Manipur hills], his birthplace, was not the land of Meiteis in Manipur.

According to the UCM information secretary the declaration of 'indefinite emergency' was a preventive measure against clashes and violence in view of the ‘Greater Nagaland' demand by the NSCN (I-M).