PREPAK (Pro) expounds on state of Meiteis
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 31 2023:
The proscribed PREPAK (Progressive) has claimed that the Meiteis are in a precarious situation due to imprisonment politically and physically in the tiny valley.
In a statement issued on the eve of the 13th Progressive Day of the outfit, PREPAK (Pro) chairman Longjam Paliba M paid his respects and gratitude to those who have sacrificed their lives in the liberation struggle for an independent Kangleipak.
He also shared the grief and sorrow of the families affected by the unrest in Manipur.
Saying that the Indian Constitution does not provide provisions of self-governance based on their socio-political culture for once independent Nations like Manipur, he claimed that the fate of Manipur is unpredictable as India happens to be a "indestructible union of destructible States" .
The British as well as India having no knowledge of the long history of Manipur eventually paved the way for the rupture of the historically integrated social fabrics, he accused.
Claiming that Meitei Kings gave full autonomy to the various ethnic communities, he alleged that the harmonious cultural bond between inter-communities was gradually eroded with the introduction of administrative systems of British and India.
Paliba M went on to claim that the policies formulated by the British after the Khongjom War were detrimental to the unity of Manipur.
The narco-terrorists of some communities must know that the valley and the hills are inseparable as its history and culture are bonded typographically, he asserted and maintained that any attempt to challenge 'this reality' will be resisted by the Meiteis.
Manipur is a Nation which was formed with the unification of numerous ethnic groups through a long process of history and those who question this reality are blinded by the influences of western religion and colonial rule, the outfit's chairman alleged.
Claiming that there was no concept of tribal in independent Manipur, he said that the Manipur Constitution Act 1947 which was drafted and enacted by the representatives of different ethnic communities mentioned only "Hill People" .
Continuing the British policy the Indian Government began segregation of numerous ethnic communities as scheduled areas/tribal areas and it led to the division of lands along demands such as Autonomous Council and separate administration, Paliba M alleged.
"The present enmity amongst us is due to the ripple effect of the politicized Constitutional protection concept," he alleged.
He also said that desecration of holy places associated with the history of Manipur and Sanamahi faith should not be undertaken, he asserted.
"We do not need the reference of Hindu Vedas, Bible or other Holy Books to verify the validity of Wakhoklon Puya, Leithak Leikharaol and other numerous Puyas, " he claimed.
Claiming that historical facts are not taught in schools, Paliba M said that there will be harmony in Manipur once the present generation knows the history of the erstwhile kingdom.
India is quite successful in instilling the mind-set that Manipur cannot survive without them, he claimed and added that saving Meiteis is indispensable to save a united Manipur.
Comment
