MPLF calls for general strike on Republic Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 21, 2011:
Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), an umbrella body of revolutionary groups in Manipur has called a general strike to boycott Republic Day.An email statement of the permanent body of the MPLF announced the general strike from 1 am to 5.30 pm on January 26. All forms of transport and movement, including flight service has been banned.
However, mediapersons, medical services, religious functions, rites and rituals will be outside the purview of the general strike, the statement said.
Manipur was forcibly annexed to India in 1949, the statement said, and that India's Republic Day celebration is nothing but an attempt to suppress and to make the indigenous communities to kow-tow to colonial subjugation.
This ought to be recapitulated, pondered upon and analysed by the people and to see January 26 as the day of enforcement of India's Constitution in Manipur.
Manipur had a duly elected, self governed and self dependent government under the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1948, the statement goes on to say.
The statement also mentions that India's Constitution cannot safeguard the most basic of human rights, the �right to life' and the Government of India continues the policy of �divide et impera' (divide and rule) among various communities of Manipur.
Having given due consideration to the above perspectives it is urged upon our compatriots to desist from participation in India's Republic Day Celebration nor allow any function associated with the occasion to be held, the statement said.