Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 14:
The Universal Friendship Organization (UFO), formally known as Satjal today celebrated Independence Day of Manipur from British colonial yoke at its Chingnungkok General Headquarters.
Chief of the organization RK Manisana, legal advisor advocate S Sarat and advisor Dr K Bhagyachandra graced the occasion as presidium members which was attended by thousands of UFO members attired in their black uniforms apart from special invitees and local people.
Addressing the gathering, RK Manisana said UFO believes in non-violence and strive to regain the independence of Manipur through legal means.
It is for this very reason -why UFO is not taking part in the ongoing mass agitation for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, he clarified.
Before commencement of the function, Manisana interacted with media persons who have come to cover the event from outside Manipur.
Talking to them, he said Manipur was never a part of India before its occupation by the British and that the British had liberated Manipur on August 14, 1947.It this on this account that UFO celebrates August 14 every year as the independence day of Manipur.
He said that UFO does not recognize merger of Manipur with the Indian Union and has been striving to regain independence of the erstwhile sovereign kingdom.
Legal advisor of the organization S Sarat informed legal notice was served to the Govt of India challenging merger of Manipur.
As the Govt of India had not responded to the legal notice despite having given six months time, UFO filed a petition at International Court of Justice, Beijing on Dec 31 last year.
The petition has not yet been admitted but is pending at the registry office of the Court, S Sarat who is also a member of International Bar Association and Commonwealth Lawyers Association stated.
Speaking on the evolution of UFO, Sarat informed that the organization came into being during the time of RK Manisana's father (1937).Formerly it was known as Satjal (Scientific Defence and Cultural Organization, but assumed the present nomenclature.
British Empire had also imposed restriction on the activities of the organization for some time, he added.
Sarat informed that there are over 2 lakhs member of the organization including 50,000 females, both inside and outside Manipur.