CIRCA commemorates Manipur National Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 18 2022:
Commemorating the first session of Manipur State Assembly held at Manipur State Durbar Hall on October 18,1948; Coalition for Indigenous Right Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur observed "Manipur National Day" at Biramangol College on Tuesday.
The commemorative event was attended by retired assistant registrar of MU Dr Oinam Kullabidhu, CIRCA president Somorendro Thokchom, WASDEV president RK Tharaksana and IKAL general secretary Wahengbam Luwangleima as presidium members.
Speaking at the event, Somorendro recounted that once an independent kingdom, Manipur fell into the hands of the British after its defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891.After a prolonged struggle, Manipur became independent again on August 14, 1947, following which the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 was enacted and Manipur State Election Rules promulgated.
Consequently, an election based on adult franchise was conducted in June-July of 1948, wherein 53 representatives including 17 from the hills were elected.
The newly formed government had a chief minister and a council of ministers.
It held its first inaugural session of Manipur State Assembly at the erstwhile Manipur State Durbar (now Uttra Shanglen), he recounted, while adding that the present generation must not forget this important chapter in Manipur's history.
However, the moment was short lived after Manipur was forcefully annexed to India and put under the dominion of India.
Manipur became a Part-C state and its administration handled by a Chief Commissioner, he further recounted.
Denouncing the merger agreement, Somorendro demanded restoration of the pre-merger political status of Manipur, stating that India ignored the sovereignty and constitution of Manipur.
Under the Standstill Agreement, the administration of Manipur Foreign Affairs, Defence and Communication was handed to India Dominion.
India further agreed to honour the internal autonomy of Manipur but turned back on the agreement soon after.
CIRCA believes that restoration of the pre-merger status will help resolve all of the issues plaguing the state, he said, while further stressing the need for the younger generation to be made aware of the importance of the day.