Confusing the constitution
- Imphal Times Editorial :: December 06 2019 -

“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation”.

It is this preamble that the nation’s constitution was framed 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules at the time of commencement.

At present the nation’s constitution consist 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 98 amendments. All amendments are done under the preamble.

The equality mention here envisages that no section of the society enjoys special privileges and individuals are provided with adequate opportunities without any discrimination.

All are equal in front of law. The word secularism which was added later says that India is a country where any citizen can chose any religion.

Article 14 which stated that all citizens are equal before law and that the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India and also prohibit discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill,2016 is the direct violation of this Article 14 of our constitution.

When it comes to the state of Manipur it is already a known fact that Protected Area Permit System which had been imposed in the state has been lifted but continues for foreign tourist from Afghanistan and China.

When the country restrict tourist from Afghanistan in visiting the state of Manipur, what actually is the agenda of accepting the illegal migrants base on religion from Afghanistan be granted citizenship for those entered before December 2014.

A concept - illogical to Foreigners’ Prohibition Act.

Well on the issues about the illegal immigrant - many times, the state of Manipur was put under turmoil with people protesting urging the government for framing of legislation.

The influx of illegal immigrants had already threatened the existence of the indigenous communities of the state. During early eighties, student bodies upraised and the state was put under turmoil with the protest reaching its momentum.

The agitation was settled only after signing of an agreement with the government of that time and then representatives of the All Manipur Students’ Union, however the unfortunate part is that the content of the memorandum signed between the two have never been converted into reality.

To the leaders of the BJP both at Centre and State – ‘Manipur was burnt 2001 when there was a BJP led government in the centre.

And this time too when BJP is at the Centre Manipur is likely to burn with another sentimental issue.

Make sure that the ugly party of the BJP doesn’t return to this state which was once an erstwhile Kingdom in Asia.

Or else people might not have other option to undergo beyond expectation.