UPRFM calls 18-hr total shutdown on Oct 15
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 12 2021: As part of the 'National Black Day' observance against annexation of Manipur (Kangleipak) by India on October 15, 1949, the armed United People's Revolutionary Front of Manipur (UPRFM) has imposed 18 hours total shutdown with effect from midnight of October 14.According to a statement of UPRFM, Manipur existed as a sovereign nation in South East Asia with a unique history for more than 2000 years but the then king Bodhchandra was made a prisoner and forced to sign on Manipur Merger document at Shillong on September 21, 1949.The signing of the merger agreement, however, was made public only on October 15 and Manipur declared as a part of India thereby making October 15 the 'National Black Day' for the people of Manipur, the UPRFM statement said.

According to the statement issued by its information & publicity secretary L Rolin alias Thoupangba Meitei, Manipur existed as a sovereign independent nation from very early period and self-administered by successive kings much before India set up a democratic government.

Manipur lost its sovereign status after suffering defeat at the hands of the British in Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 but the latter granted independence to princely states including Manipur on August 14, 1947 midnight as per Indian Independence Act, 1947.Accordingly, Manipur had its own constitution and democratically set up government under the supervision of king Bodhchandra as constitutional head.

Based on universal adult franchise, Manipur conducted general election from June to July under the provision of Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 and elected 53 representatives from both the hills and valley.

Despite having an elected national assembly and democratic government as sovereign nation in South East Asia, India not only violated international norms but also forcibly annexed Manipur after Bodhchandra was forced to ink on the pre-meditated merger document at Shillong on September 21, 1949.The forcible act of India was not ratified by the Manipur State Legislative Assembly.

As such, the 3rd session of the 4th sitting of the Manipur Legislative Assembly held on September 28,1949 invalidated the merger agreement and even issued a gazette notification in this regard on October 14, 1949.However, sovereign status of Manipur was forcibly snatched away by India with the announcement of merger agreement on October 15,1949 and thus Manipur became a part of Indian union and UPRFM has been observing the day as 'National Black Day' by calling total shutdown every year on October 15 and this year is no exception, the UPRFM statement said.

The outfit also appealed people to extend support to the shutdown which will be relaxed only for vehicular movement relating to emergency, religious ceremonies and media.

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