Centre not interested in saving Manipur's territory: L Nganbi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 21 2021: A one-day discussion on 'Manipur Merger Agreement 1949: Impact on the future of Manipur' was jointly organised by AMSU, AMKIL and UPF on Tuesday at the multipurpose hall of AMSU head office located inside DM University campus.

AMKII president-in-charge Lourembam Nganbi, who was one of the presidium members of the discussion session, said that there is no meaning of Manipur to remain as part of India if the latter is unable to protect territory of Manipur as well as lives of people and the society.

Losing Manipur's land is the same for India but the latter seems to be not concerned when the neighbouring country has encroached deep into Manipur's territory along the border.

Asking if there is any meaning for Manipur to be under India in such a situation, Nganbi said that people of Manipur should not remain silent when India could not pretect its own border in Manipur.

Nganbi recounted that Manipur was once an independent nation having its own history and unique identity with people of hills and valley living together in peace and harmony.

However, the British occupied Manipur in 1891 and became its colony.

Later, Manipur regained freedom from the British on August 14,1947, one day ahead of India, and had its own constitution with self-administered government.

However, India forcibly merged Manipur after the then king Bodhchandra was called to Shillong and made to sign on the merger agreement under duress on September 21, 1949.Leaders of Manipur during that time as well as contemporary Manipuri people condemn the incident, she said, adding that it was very unfortunate about India's act after Manipur was merged.

She also stressed the need for today's young generation and people of Manipur to thoroughly deliberate and understand the issue.

Professor Ch Priyoranjan of MU economics department, RIMS Biostatistics HOD professor RK Narendra and assistant professor Dr Arambam Noni of DM College of Arts political science department participated in the discussion as resource persons.

AMSU president Haobijam Chalamba and UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra were also present as presidium members.

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