UPRFM imposes 18-hour total shutdown on Oct 15
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 13 2022:
The armed United People's Revolutionary Front of Manipur (UPRFM) has imposed 18 hours total shutdown on October 15 as part of the 'National Black Day' observance against annexation of Manipur (Kangleipak) by India on October 15, 1949 .
According to a statement of the outfit, the total shutdown to be effective from midnight of October 14 throughout Manipur (Kangleipak) will not cover movement/activities relating to medical emergency, media and religious ceremonies.
The UPRFM statement issued by information & publicity secretary L Rolin alias Thoupangba Meitei, said Manipur existed as sovereign independent nation from very early period with unique written history of more than 2000 years, identity and self-administration.
However, Manipur became part of British imperialist after the defeat at Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 and then regained sovereign status on August 14, 1947 as per Indian Independence Act, 1947 .
Accordingly, Manipur had its own constitution and democratically set up government.
Based on universal adult franchise, Manipur had general election in June, 1948 under the provision of Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 and formed a democratic government to reinstate as a sovereign nation in South East Asia.
Even though the then king Bodhchandra was reduced to a mere constitutional head and not empowered to take legitimate decision without the approval of state assembly and council of ministers, he was forced to a sign on Manipur Merger document after putting under house arrest at Shillong on September 21, 1949 .
The agreement came into effect from October 15, 1949 and accordingly Manipur (Kangleipak) became part of India.
However, the agreement was not only treacherous but also violated all the international laws, the outfit said adding that the 4th sitting of the 3rd session of Manipur assembly convened at Johnstone school on September 28, 1949 rejected the agreement and even issued gazette notification on October 14, 1949 .
On the next day on October 15, 1949, India declared the merger of Manipur and accordingly snatched sovereignty of the people of Manipur (Kangleipak), the outfit said.