'Indian colonialism more dangerous than that of British'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 13 2012: Attended by cream of the state's intellectuals including advocates, professors from Manipur University, journalists, doctors and other professionals like social activists, artists, social organisations, a day-long discussion session on "Democracy and AFSPA", was organized under the aegis of Peoples Democratic Movement at Imphal Hotel here today.

Participating in the discussion as one of the Presidium Members, Prof Naorem Joykumar of History Department, Manipur University, said that the colonial policy followed by India is much more grievous the than the colonial policy followed by the then British imperialist.

He asserted that Manipur was merged into Indian dominion on October 15, 1949 without taking into confidence the wishes of the people of the state.

Thereafter, Manipur was kept as a Part-C state for more than 20 years.

It was only after public movement and demonstrations were launched that Manipur got statehood in 1972 .

"Right from the time of Chacha Nehru, the India government had been continuing its non-democratic move towards Manipur", he added.

He also pointed out that initially India government imposed Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in Manipur and other NE states on a trial basis, but has remained for more than 50 years.

Coming down on the Look East Policy of Government of India, Prof Naorem Joykumar observed that though the policy may seems to be a good policy which will benefit all the NE state, more particularly Manipur, it is one which is intended for the good of mainland India only.

He also recalled the statement made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel when he wrote a letter to Jawaharlal Nehru on the status of NE people, stating "Do not believe those people, they are not Aryan", and contended that the attitude conveyed in those words still remains intact with the India government till this day.

The discussion session was also attended by Prof K Imo and Dr L Pardeshi, President PDM as presidium members.

Haobam Sanajaoba of NRC, Shakhi of All Manipur Nupi Marup, Gopal, ex-president of PDM, S Bhubon of NRC, Kumara from an NGO, Th Tarunkumar, Advocate, Rose Chara, Iboyaima, M Rajen, Shyam Charan, Angomcha Araba of Life Watch were among others who also participated and spoke in the discussion session.

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