The 1965 march by hungry people remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 27 2013: Along with taking out a mass rally by students coming from different parts of the State, All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) observed the 47th Hunger Marchers' Day here today.

The day is being observed every year to recall the march taken out by the students against the Government for causing an artificial famine in the State on August 27, 1965.Four persons namely Waikhom Nilamani (a driver of All India Radio, Imphal), Oinam Nabakumar, Laishram Chaobal and Nongmeikakpam Pramodini laid down their lives in the agitation.

The observance began since early morning.

A large number of students and members of social organizations paid homage to the departed souls at their memorials located at Pishum Chinga Macha, from where they marched up to DM College Campus passing through Keishampat Junction, Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal and Khoyathong.

Photographs of the deceased being carried in palanquins during the rally

The marchers shouted slogans such as "Control price rise", "Government should fix prices of essential commodities", "Go back non-locals", "Repeal AFSPA", "Long live Manipur", "Long live AMSU", etc.

Later, a public meeting was held at DM College Campus.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, former General Secretary of AMSU G Joykumar said that the Hunger Marchers' Day is being observed every year to recall the extreme sacrifices made by the four great sons and daughters of Manipur in the agitation against the misgovernance and creation of artificial famine in the State.

Many changes have occurred in the State in the aftermath of the incident.

The sense of belongingness to India slowly disappeared from the minds of Manipuri people and the youths began an insurgent movement against the Indian Government for the liberation of Manipur.

The State might have not seen such changes if there were no such people's march against the Government in 1965, he asserted.

Vice-President of DESAM M Angamba said that the Hunger Marchers' Day has been written in golden letters in the history of Manipur.

The extreme sacrifices made by the four people have instilled courage in the people of Manipur to fight against injustice and violation of human rights.

The incident of August 27, 1965 happened as a result of selfish non-local traders trying to create an artificial famine in the State.

The people of Manipur are being oppressed under the rule dominated by the non-locals.

The right time has come for the people to show defiance to the Government against misrule and injustice, he averred.

The observance function was presided by the President of AMSU Thiyam Naresh, while Assistant Professor of Imphal College RK Itocha, General Secretary of NESO Sinam Prakash, President of MSF L Umakanta, and President of KSA Th Premananda attended as Guests of Honour.