Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 18:
The 53rd anniversary of the first democratically elected State Assembly was observed during a function organized by the People's Democratic Forum at the State Guest House today.
The first Assembly was established on October 18, 1948.Former Chief Minister W Nipamacha Singh and ex-MLA Haobam Bhuban were the chief guest and the president of the function.
Two of the first elected people's representatives, Mono Monsang from Chandel district and Mangpithang Kipgen from Mao constituency attended as the guests of honour.
Mangpithang Kipgen and Mono Monsang were presented with a shawl each.
The chief guest also released a souvenir containing the list of the names of first elected MLAs and their life histories.
The first election to the State Assembly was held on June 29 and 30, 1948.In his speech, Nipamacha said that it is a matter of pride for the Manipuris that the region were holding it's own elections even before India framed its Constitution after its independence.
This shows the standard of governance prevailing at that time.
Mangpithang Kipgen said it is the bounded duties of the present generation to uphold the spirit of unity, integrity and brotherhood which existed at their times.
Mono Monsang, the then MLA from Liwa Chaning in Chandel district said the holding of this anniversary is just the same as remembering the unity and integrity of the time around 53 years back.