Many observe 1-Day of Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 14 2021:
The All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), United Committee Manipur (UCM), Coalition for Indigenes Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM), International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and Students Union of Kangleipak (SUK) observed the 75th Manipur Independence Day at different locations by hoisting Manipur's flag.
AMUCO observed the day at its head office at Kwakeithel.
On the occasion, AMUCO president Pheroijam Nando Luwang appealed to the people of Manipur 'to take our history into consideration while working for the development of the State' .
Saying that Manipur got independence from the British in the intervening night of August 14 and 15, 1947, Nando continued that Manipur was not a part of the India Union when the latter got independence the following day (August 15) .
He also said that the British administered Manipur and India as two separate entities during the time of their colonial rule.
Continuing that a flag embossed with Pakhangba symbol was hoisted the day after Manipur got independence at State Durbar in Kangla, he added that the then political agent GP Stewart formally handed over Manipur to Maharaj Bodhachandra at Durbar Hall on the same day.
Unfortunately, people celebrate the independence day of India more than that of the State itself for many years after Manipur joined the Union in 1949, he said and expressed happiness that many are tracing the roots of Manipur history today and are giving much importance to the event of August 14.He also said that celebrating the day doesn't mean one is anti-Indian, anti-National or is against the interest of any community.
Coalition for Indigenes Rights Campaign (CIRCA) observed Manipur Ningtam Numit at Keibi Mana Ching.
The observance which commenced with CIRCA president Somendro Thokchom hoisting Manipur flag embossed with Pakhangba symbol was also attended by members of Irabot Memorial Trust and other CSOs and student organisations.
In his speech, Somendro said that Manipur, having existed as an independent entity for about 2 years after the British left, merged with the Indian Union in 1949.Saying that Manipur lost its political status after Maharaj Bodhachandra 'signed' the Merger Agreement with Dominion of India on September 21, 1949, he contended that Manipur, according to the agreement of Instrument of Accession signed on August 11, 1947, is obliged to enjoy internal sovereignty while India should see into the matter of defence, communication, external affairs only.
Somorendro continued that the cradle of all the issues, problems besieging Manipur such as imposition of black laws, exploitation of State resources etc could be the sudden change in the political status of Manipur in 1949.He then demanded that Manipur should be given political autonomy enjoyed prior to the merger as agreed in the Instrument of Accession.
UCM, in a separate statement that Manipur enjoyed independence a day before India and recalled how Maharaja Bodhachandra was made to sign the merger agreement.
Manipur Ningtam Numit was also observed in Moreh by Meetei Council Moreh, All Community Development Organisation Moreh, All Manipur Students Union, Tengnoupal, Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup and Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup.
International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and several other lups including UCM, People's Action for National Democratic Movement (PANDM), All Club Organisation Association & Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM-Lup) observed the day at Wangdei Meetei Leikai, Langol by hoisting a flag embossed with Pakhangba symbol.
Shillong Manipuri Students' Union (SMSU) also celebrated the 75th Manipur independence day at Laitumkhrah, Red Land, Shillong, today.
In a statement, SMSU president Chongtham Thoungamba Meitei said that hoisting the Manipur flag was the main event of the observance.
Saying that erstwhile Kangleipak, though small, was a thriving kingdom in South East Asia, he added that guarding the territorial integrity of Manipur is the responsibility of every Manipuri.
He also lauded Chief Minister N Biren Singh for deciding to build a Manipur Bhavan at Shillong.
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