More armed groups call shutdown on Jan 26
UPRFM calls 17 hours bandh
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22 2022:
The United People's Revolutionary Front of Manipur (UPRFM) has called a 17 hour shutdown in the entire State on January 26 till 5 pm of the day, alleging that the Republic Day of India has no significance in the WESEA region like Manipur where AFSPA is being imposed.
A press release issued by UPRFM urged the people of Kangleipak to boycott the event.
Rituals and emergency services, however, are exempted from the purview of the shutdown, it added.
Claiming that India which was formed by annexing several princely States has been misrepresenting democracy and republic to pursue its colonial policy, it alleged that Kangleipak which had its own Constitution and National Assembly was forcefully merged with the Union of India by forcing King Bodhachandra sign an agreement on September 21, 1949 at Shillong.
Further claiming that the Republic Day celebration has nothing to do with the people of Kangleipak whatsoever, UPRFM alleged that the idea of India too challenges the culture, identity and resources of the WESEA region.