IPSA celebrates silver jubilee
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 14 2022:
International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) celebrated its silver jubilee at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, Thangmeiband, here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, IPSA president Tourangbam Birjit strongly condemned the restrictions imposed in an underhanded manner against the celebration of Manipur's Independence Day on August 14 and as such, demanded all concerned not to continue such acts in the future.
Birjit continued that the government of India is still treating Manipur unfairly.
Recently, it (India) announced compulsory learning of Hindi language in all schools in the northeast states, which is an attempt to suppress the indigenous languages of the states.
It is unfortunate for the people to have their state gov-ernments collude with such a central government, he said, while condemning the move and terming it as a massive disrespect to the people of the northeast region.
Regarding the celebration of 75 years of Independence, the state government celebrated Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which IPSA respects.
However, it is upsetting to incorporate the Patriots' Day observance of Manipur on August 13 and Manipur's own Independence Day on August 14, under the ambit of the Mahotsav and making people to hoist India's flag in their houses as part of the celebration.
People have been observing both days, especially Patriots' Day on August 13 for many years to remember the martyrs of Anglo-Manipuri War.
The intentional inclusion of the day under that of India's Independence Day celebration is disconcerting to say the least, he remarked.
Birjit then said that the government's move to make 1961 as the base year of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) shows its disregard for the state, especially considering it did not consult with JCILPS or the people while making this decision.
The government's utter disregard of the people's demands to make 1951 as the base year, despite the assurances given by the then Chief Minister and government, points to its disrespect towards the people and its predecessors.
In his speech, IPSA general secretary W Guneshwor said that globalisation has brought huge changes in the state.
However, one must remember the atrocities Manipur suffered and continues to do in the form of extra-judicial killings by security forces under the shadow AFSPA, 1958.IPSA was formed during a time when the atrocities were at the most extreme, with the aim of protecting the basic human rights of the people and bring about a developed society.
He recounted that IPSA convened a seminar on the political flag used by 76 kings of Kangleipak, at the State Guest House on January 10, 2010, followed by a meeting of the experts and the people at GM Hall on August 21 of the same year.
On August 14, 2017, IPSA released "Firal Lairik"' at Manipur University.
Meanwhile, IPSA has been celebrating Manipur's independence from British on August 14, 1947 every year.
It also formed the apex body, Justice Committee on Anglo-Mani-puri War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters Kangleipak, in collaboration with like-minded 8 family organisations to commemorate the martyrs of Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891, trace the origins of the martyrs and inform the people of the same for the sake of future generations, W Guneshwor conveyed.
The general secretary continued that IPSA has also organised the "Kanglei Puwari Khongul Leeba" programme and has been able to connect with the Manipuri people who have settled in Lakhipur, Cachar, Jaribon Lala Hailakandi and Awapali Kamangkha areas of Assam.
He then wished that the silver jubilee celebration would usher in peace and tranquillity in the state.
The celebration was also attended by JNIMS director Dr Deven Laishram; IPSA chief advisor H Ibotombi Khuman; UCM president Joy-chandra Konthoujam; Mao Union Imphal president Dr Puni Losii; Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation vice president RV Son Zimik and Aimol Tribe Union president RT Akhel Aimol.
As part of the programme, former office bearers of IPSA and members of other organisations in the state were honoured with simple gifts.
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