Plebiscite call at Keirao Awang Leikai
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 19 2011: "Manipur has waged the war for regaining its lost sovereignty and not in protest against lack of job opportunities, food to eat or cloth to wear'', vice president of National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) Sunil Karam has stated.

Speaking as a resource person in the public discussion session on 'ManipurIndia conflict and participation of the people in resolving the conflict' organised by Keirao Awang Leikai Nupi Semgat Sagatpa Lup at the community hall of Keirao Bitra today, Sunil categorically stated that the root cause of the existing Manipur-India conflict is forced merger of Manipur with India in 1949 after the then titular king of Manipur Bodhachandra was made to sign the merger agreement under duress.

Even if people of Manipur could not said openly against the alleged merger at that time, there were people who were opposed to the merger.

They wanted that a sovereign State like Manipur with 2000 years old history of its own should remained sovereign.

Subsequently, in 1968, freedom loving Manipuri youths came together as one to fight for the liberation of Manipur along with forming United National Liberation Front.

So, the Government of India should understand that the war of liberation being waged has got nothing to do with lack adequate food to eat, cloth to wear or job opportunities for survival, Sunil asserted.

However, the Government of India has been trying to suppress this armed revolutionary movement with military might for over 50 years now, and subjective the people to various atrocities in the hands of the security forces who are granted immunity under the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 .

To put an end to all these sufferings, the people of Manipur need to raise their voice in union and demand for revolving the ongoing conflict, he exhorted.

Social worker Joy Nongmaithem, who also participated in the discussion session as one of the resource persons, observed that the demand for resolving of Manipur-India conflict is a clarion call for saving Manipur and its people.

So, higher the pitch of the demand, the closer would be the goal and the end of the suffering of the people.

Up-Pradhan of Keirao Gram Panchayat Takhellambam Sushila, president of Keirao Awang Leikai Nupi Semgat Sagat Sagatpa Lup Ninthoujam Lata, secretary of Panthoibi Leimarol Lamjing Meira Association Ninthoujam Chandrabali, advisor of Meira Paibi Lairembi Leikai Mutum Sakhi, advisor of Keirao Makha Leikai Meira Paibi Lup Loukrakpam Ibemhal, president of Meira Paibi Keirao Lairembi Leikai Mutum Pramo and secretary of All Manipur Women Social Reformation and Development Samaj Th Ramani were presidium members of the discussion session which adopted three different resolutions to the effect of endorsing plebiscite for resolving the conflict, ensure public participation in the resolution of the conflict and seeking the help of the UNO and other International human rights group in this regard.

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