CCSK introspects post-merger reality of Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 30 2018: People of Manipur, specially the policy makers need to re-introspect the blunders made in the history of Manipur and learn lessons from the past mistakes so the blunders and concomitant difficulties are not repeated.

This was stated by JCILPS convenor Arjun Telheiba while delivering presidential speech at a one-day discussion programme on the topic Manipurgi Puwarida Miyamgee Leingak Leikhiba Numit (18th October, 1948) .

Notably it was on October 18, 1948 that the first session of a democratically elected Manipur Legislative Assembly was held at the then Durbar Hall with 49 representatives elected from different parts of Manipur soon after it gained independence from British empire and before the Nation was merged into the Indian Union.

The discussion programme was organized by Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) at Kwakeithel Bazar today.

Arjun Telheiba, who is also the president of CCSK rued that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been imposed in the whole of the State since 1980 as a gift of merging into the Indian Union.

He also lamented that many of the terms of the agreement made at the time of merging (alleged annexation) Manipur into the Indian Union, including the term for giving reservation to the Manipuris have not been translated into action till date by the Government of India.

Saying that there was neither any consensus nor any information was shared with the people before the merger agreement was signed, the CCSK president opined that the Union of India has been deceiving the Manipuris till date and this makes the Manipuris feel ashamed to claim themselves as Indians even today.

Imphal College Assistant Professor L Doren observed that the Indian democracy is a failed democratic system in which no moral or ethical values are upheld.

The North East region is being subjugated and betrayed till today by the Indian Union with racial discrimination and other forms of injustice, he alleged and went on to point out that younger generations should be made aware of such injustices.

The Assistant Professor also questioned the way the policy makers in the State have been working while criticizing that most of them (the policy makers) are running the State's affairs by keeping their personal benefits and interests in front.

NG College Lecturer Mangoljao noted that every citizen has the right to criticize any Government if he/she is not satisfied with it.

He also said that there was always a room/space to complain against the leaders/rulers in the Manipuri society since time immemorial although there were few rulers/kings who worked against the people's will in the long history of Manipur.

The programme was also attended by CCSK vice-president Jeetendra Ningomba, Women's Welfare Organization, Kangleipak (WWOK) president Ksh Bala and M Somokanta as the chief guest and guests of honor respectively.

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