Kiyam Wangmataba endorses plebiscite call
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 23 2011: A public meeting held at the community hall of Kiyam Wangmatama today has also endorsed plebiscite as the only means for resolving the Manipur-India conflict through public participation.

Organised under the aegis of Kiyam Wangmataba Meira Paibi Lup, the meeting held under the theme of 'Manipur-India conflict and its resolution through public participation' adopted two resolutions.

The first resolution demanded that plebiscite should be conducted for resolving the Manipur-India conflict and to ensure participation of the people in the process.

In the second resolution, the meeting decided to seek the support of the UN and other International human rights bodies in this regard.

Among others, who spoke at the meeting, social worker Th Achou asserted that Manipur has been reduced to the status of a colony after its 'annexation' by India.

Achou observed that participation of the people of Manipur in resolving the conflict is essential because the people of Manipur are leading a uncertain life today and they have the right to decide their future.

On the root cause of the conflict, Achou said that Manipur has become a colony of India after October 15, 1949 and armed revolutionary movement has come about to oppose this.

But the life of the people has been caught in between these two opposing forces.

So, it is high time for the people to discuss and think over how they would like their future to be.

A meeting on plebiscite underway at the community hall of Kiyam Wangmatama

Addressing the meeting as a resource person, advocate Angomcha Araba alleged that India is among the countries which are infamous for the track record of violating democratic norms.

Despite being a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights passed by the United Nations Organisation in 1948, India has not been able to ensure protection of human rights of its own citizens.

Moreover, in accordance to the rights guaranteed under Article 21 and Article 24 of Indian Constitution, an arrested person is supposed to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.

But imposition of draconian Military Act like Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 under which security personnel can shot or detain anybody on mere suspicion has make a mockery of such Constitutional provisions.

All these show that Indian democracy is meaningless, Araba added.

Secretary of Life Care Foundation Th Arun asserted that India has been perpetrating racial discrimination against the people of Manipur.

The most glaring example is that India Government wakes up within four days of launching hunger strike by Anna Hazare against corruption but it has remained indifferent even though Irom Chanu Sharmila has been fasting for more than 10 years now demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Today's public meeting was graced by social worker Th Pishak as functional president and S Ibechoubi as guest of honour.