Anti-Merger Agreement observance kick-starts
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 21 2015:
The month-long 'Anti-Merger Agreement' observation kick-started on Monday at the royal palace where the Manipuri national flag embossed with the Pakhangba Paphal was slightly pulled down by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba as part of the observance.
The function organised by Coalition for indigenous Writers' Campaign (CIWC) began with religious ceremonies performed by several royal priests and priestesses.
The observance will end on October 15 .
Speaking on the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba said the "dark day" of the royal palace came after the Merger Agreement.
But the titular king asserted that this day is observed every year just to remember the day when Maharaj Bodhachandra signed the Merger Agreement in 1949 .
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Sanajaoba also reminded that there was a "pass system" to regulate outsiders when Manipur was a kingdom, but it was totally revoked after Manipur merged with India.
CIWC Spokesperson Ningthouja Lancha said Bodhachandra signed the Merger Agreement "under duress" by Government of India and that the people of Manipur need to remember this day.
The first national assembly of Manipur commenced on October 18, 1948 after the Manipur State Constitution Act came into force in 1947, CIWC Convenor Somenrendro Thokchom said.
He said the people put the last touches on the democratic set up in Manipur which was finally brought to an end by the Government of India following the Merger Agreement.
The observance was also held at Pangei Keithel, Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai, Wangkhei Laiharaobam, Kongba Leishram Leikai, Langthabal Kunja, Thoubal Keithel, Wangjing Keithel, Thamnapokpi Keithel, Ningthoukhong Keithel, Lamangdong Keithel, Keinou, Wahengkhokpam and Nambol Keithel.