Manipur State Assembly Day observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 18 2015: Government of India has been allegedly trying to erase the history, culture, tradition, politics and many other aspects of the erstwhile independent kingdom of Manipur with its 2000 years of history.

However, the people of Manipur will fight against such designs, said Coalition for Indigenes Rights Campaign Manipur (CIRCA) Spokesperson Ningthouja Lancha.

Lancha made the statement as presidium member during the Manipur State Assembly Day Observation function organised jointly by CIRCA and Pioneer Education and Sporting Union (PESU) at Oinam Bazaar.

The function was also attended by Kom Literature Society Secretary Mangpu Karong as the Chief Guest.

Manipur State Assembly Day observed

Speaking on the occasion, Ningthouja Lancha said Manipur State Constitution Act was formed in 1947 and thereafter an election was held in June 1948.The elected members formed the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the first time in October 18 of the same year.

He argued that Manipur's "forced merger" with India has resulted in the current turmoil faced by the people of the State.

However, people have now realized that Manipur's pre-merger status was "far much better" than the situations after post-merger status.

The merger agreement was signed by King Budhachandra in Shillong under "duress" and without the consent of the people of Manipur, he said.

Ningthouja Lancha pointed out that people who are supposedly living under a democratic government had no democratic rights and many civilians have been allegedly targeted and killed.

Government of India continues to turn a blind eye to the demands made by Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been fighting against the AFSPA for more than 15 years.

The attempt to disintegrate and erase Manipur from the global map is the results of the deceptive democratic system which came after the merger agreement, opined Lancha.

He also appealed the Government of Manipur to observe October 18 as Manipur State Assembly Day at State level starting from next year to save Manipur nation from extinction.

Kom Literature Society Secretary Mangpu Karong argued that Manipur Merger Agreement is "unconstitutional and cannot be legal." He also stated that difference and in religion and languages will not succeed in separating the indigenous communities of Manipur.

The day was widely observed at various valley areas where people hoisted Pakhangba flags.

It was also resolved to observe the day at the state level.

CIRCA Convener Somorendro Thokchom, retired lecturer N Sartchandra, social activist O Ibochouba Khuman, Royal Academy of Law Principal Irengbam Jugeshwor also attended the function as presidium members.