Sep 21 of 1949 recalled somberly
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2023: The Organising Committee Manipur gi Ningtamba Maangkhiba Numit hosted an observation programme at Ikop Ningthou Laikol, Heirok Part II today to recall the day Manipur lost her independence.

It may be noted that on September 21, 1949 Maharaja Bodhachandra was allegedly coerced into signing the Merger Agreement with the Union of India under duress.

A discussion session was also held with RK Nimai, retd IAS as the moderator as a part of the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, RK Nimai maintained that the event was held with the goal of exploring ways to safeguard people of Manipur while also ensuring peaceful existence for all.

Sep 21 of 1949 recalled somberly

Cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha also spoke on the occasion and stated that the erstwhile independent kingdom of Manipur lost its sovereignty on September 21, 1949 .

He opined that the current imbroglio could have been avoided if the Merger Agreement had not been signed and Home Rule (self-government) had been introduced in Manipur.

Stating that the Merger Agreement 1949 is intricately linked with the ongoing unrest, Ningthouja Lancha said today's discussion aims to look at the history of Manipur and deliberate on the errors that have led to the current crisis.

The discussion also aims to unite all people of Manipur beyond ethnic lines and serve as the first step towards reclaiming the lost rights of the Manipuri people.

Further, he shared that the gathering will pass a resolution to launch a new agitation/movement from today till October 18, to commemorate the first session of Manipur State Assembly inaugurated by Maharaj Bodhachandra on October 18, 1948 .

Manipur has been unsuccessful in protecting its own borders since surrendering its internal sovereignty to India.

But during the reign of Manipuri kings, all outsiders entering Lakhimpur were kept in check under a regulatory Act.

After that Act was repealed, the borders have become free entry zones for all kinds of people, he said.

According to Lancha, the current situation is a conflict between migrants and the native people of Manipur.

He said that with the coming of migrants, they have started demanding rights and setting up buffer zones in the State.

He also pointed out that the period from September 3 to 21 has been observed as Black September this year in the State to symbolize the discontentment of the public with regard to the present crisis.

On the occasion, social activist Brinda Thounaojam pointed out the magnitude of the current conflict and equated it to a war.

She stressed on the importance of discussing if the 'war' erupted spontaneously and locate the time when Manipur was transformed into a battlefield.

Emphasizing the need for the State Government to show its mettle, she opined that the conflict can be brought under control only when the Government takes tangible steps to this effect before the public.

If the Government fails to show its fortitude, there will come a day when the people will take matters into their own hands to decide their own future, she maintained.

The event was also attended by Advocate Pousing Golmei, social activist Ashang Kasar; Kh Ratan, representative of Joint Committee on Protection of Affected Meitei, Manipur and TAKDAL convenor Jotin Waikhom.

The gathering also observed a 2-minute silence to honour the martyrs who lost their lives during the ongoing conflict.