NRFM calls 18-hr bandh on Sept 21
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 19 2024: In denunciation of Manipur's merger into India under duress on September 21, 1949, the armed National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) has called for an 18 hour bandh from September 21 midnight.

The bandh will exempt movement relating to medical, electricity and water supply and media, NRFM information & publicity secretary Sanajaoba Meitei informed in a statement.

While contending India never wanted to keep the merger agreement alive, the secretary called upon the people to stand unitedly and fight the merger agreement which symbolises oppression of Manipur by India.

Moreover, the debate surrounding the then King Bodhchandra signing the merger agreement on September 21, 1949 - whether voluntary or forced - is irrelevant in light of India's handling of Manipur, which unmistakably suggests coercion.

India has been scheming to create chaos in Manipur and disregarding rights of the people as could be comprehended from man-made barriers against free movement, he maintained, while claiming discrimination of Manipur and its people since the day of the annexation remains unchanged, consequently prolonging the contestation and contradiction between Manipur and India.

He further said that public slogans to uphold integrity Manipur underscores possibility of eventual balkanisation of Manipur, which was once sovereign before India was born.

So, there is no need to pray to anyone for protecting Manipur and if such help were sought than it is obvious signs of weakness and lack of rational thinking.

The ongoing proxy war schemed by India in Manipur is also threat to whole communities of North East, cautioned the NRFM.

Recalling former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill's claim that India could not last for a century after independence, NRFM observed that no political party could now stably govern the country while attempting to disintegrate Manipur into pieces.

Such is a symptom of the India's disintegration.

Reflecting on the present unrest situation, he opined that the people should have firm resolve to safeguard Manipur and deeply introspect whether the government is committed to protect and save Manipur.

However, people sadly continue to adore the government when Manipur is on the verge.

Instead of protecting its boundaries, many continue to protect the government, he pointed out, while asking whether it would generate a positive result.

Several lives and properties were lost, hills and valley remained deserted, while Delhi is cherishing on plight of the people affected by the present conflict.

In such situation, if one still considers being an Indian then he is living in deceit and lies, he added.

Comment