Chinga Meepham remembered
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 29 2013:
All India Trade union, Manipur and Manipur loumi Lup jointly celebrated 75th (Platinum jubilee) anniversary of the 4th Nikhil Hindu Manipuri Mahasabha held on December 29 and 30, 1938, at Irawat Bhavan today.
Among others the celebration was attended by AITUC Manipur president Dr M nara, CPI State unit leader Langol Iboyaima, convenor of Coordinating Body of Trade Union Kshetrimayum Shanti, All Manipur Nupi Marup working president M Shanti Devi, TUCC leader Khomdram Gyaneshwor, Manipur Loumi Lup secretary general M Ibobi and AITUC Manipur general secretary Sotinkumar.
The two-day 4th Nikhil Hindu Manipuri Mahasabha held at Chinga ground is said to be the first significant gathering of the masses in Manipur wherein basics of democratic principle and social justice were propounded to the people.
With Manipur still under the British rule, the event is said to have opposed the British imperialism as well as feudal system.
By deleting the word Hindu, the two-day gathering also led to the formation of Manipur's first political organisation christened Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha under the leadership of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot.
Describing the Chinga session as a landmark event in Manipur, Dr Nara opined that effective implementation of the people's decision at the historic occasion would ensure development of an egalitarian society in present day Manipur.
Emphasising on movement for strengthening the democratic institutions and proportionate electoral system, the former Minister also hailed members of All Manipur Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) for joining their counterparts at the recent Delhi rally demanding justice and regularisation of their services.
It is said that along with participating at the rally and handing over a memorandum to the Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad highlighting their plight and demands, ASHA units also aired their demands to the respective Chief Ministers.