Manipur State’s first CM Md. Alimuddin remembered

20th November 2015

Manipur State’s first CM Md. Alimuddin

Md. Alimuddin, the first Chief Minister of Manipur, after it got statehood, was remembered at the 43rd foundation day of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) PG Centre (now Manipur University) held on November 19 at MIMS Hall at Manipur University, Canchipur.

The function, organized by Manipur University Students Union (MUSU) and Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Political Forum, Manipur (PPFM) was attended by veteran politician and former Minister O. Joy Singh, President MUSU Sarangthem David Singh, former Deputy Registrar of Manipur University & Ex-Minister, Dr. Khashim Ruivah, President PPF Azizul Haque, Former Minister, Md. Alauddin, Chief Advisor PPF A.R. Khan, Retd. IAS and Chief Advisor PPF’s Manipur, Vice-President Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee & Spokesperson PPF, M.I. Khan, President PPF (Women Wing) Nazima Begum, Social Activist A.K. Abhiram, Retd. PPS Manipur Legislative Assembly Sheikh Kheiruddin graced the function as Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honours respectively.

A large number of people led by the dignitaries present at the function paid floral tribute at the foundation stone of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) PG Centre laid by Md. Alimuddin on November 19, 1972.

Addressing the gathering, veteran politician O. Joy, who was very close to Md. Alimuddin, recollected the events which led to the institution of the JNU PG Centre which later developed into Manipur University. He said, “The institution of the JNU PG Centre was a historic moment for the State. The Centre was referred to as a university then. I was closely associated with the founding of the Centre. I was part of the Steering Committee formed in connection with institution of the Centre. It was brought at Canchipur against the wishes of some of the leaders of the time.

Maharaj Gambhir Singh made Canchipur his royal abode (Langthabal Palace) after the liberation of Manipur from the Burmese occupation and Md. Alimuddin made Canchipur the education centre of the State…Besides the JNU Centre, he instituted the Regional Medical College, now upgraded to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Board of Secondary Education Manipur and Manipur Public Service Commission.

He introduced double cropping system and built many dams. It was Md. Alimuddin who started the observing 13th August as Patriots’ Day by giving state holiday as a mark of respect to the leaders who were hanged by the British for raising war against them. He also commenced observing Khongjom Day on 23rd April by inviting the then President of India V.V. Giri at Khongjom. Today’s generation need to know Md. Alimuddin and the works he had done for the State. We need to do more research on this leader. It is unfortunate that the State Government has failed to recognise the contributions made by Md. Alimuddin.”

O. Joy speaking at the function

In his speech, Chief Advisor of PPF, A.R. Khan urged the authorities of Manipur University to observe the foundation day of the Centre as a mark of respect and gratitude to the departed leader, and also name a building, or a block, or a road within the university campus after the leader.

JNU PG Centre developed into a state university on June 5, 1980 under the Manipur University Act 1980. It was then converted into a central university on October 13, 2005.

Md. Alimuddin

Md. Alimuddin was elected from the Lilong Assembly Constituency in the first Legislative Assembly election held in 1948 and became a member of the Council of Ministers taking charge of Jail and Medical departments. He was also elected in the subsequent Assembly/Electoral College/Council elections held in 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972 and 1974.

A government led by the regional party, Manipur People’s Party (MPP), was formed soon after Manipur attained statehood in 1972. Md. Alimuddin, who was the leader of MPP, was made Chief Minister in March 1972. However, the government was short lived; it was dissolved in March 1973. Mid-term election was held in 1974 and MPP again managed to form the government with the support of other parties. Md. Alimuddin was again made the Chief Minister. This time the government lasted for just four months (March to July 1974).

Later, Md. Alimuddin became Speaker (December 1974 to September 1975) in the R. K. Dorendro’s government. He also served as Finance Minister (June 1977 to November 1979) in the Yangmaso Shaiza’s ministry.

During his tenure as Chief Minister of Manipur for just around 16 months, Md. Alimuddin laid the foundation of most of the premier institutes of the state. He inaugurated Manipur Medical College at Lamphel in Imphal West District on May 22, 1972. In September that same year, the college was upgraded as the Regional Medical College.

Md. Alimuddin inaugurated the Manipur Public Service Commission on October 23, 1972 along with the then Governor of Manipur B. K. Nehru. He also instituted the Law Commission and Board of Secondary Education, Manipur in 1972. He erected many dams and irrigation facilities and introduced double-cropping to enhance the agricultural productivity of the state.

Md. Alimuddin was born in 1920 at Lilong Haoreibi Turel Ahanbi, Lilong, in Thoubal district and passed away on February 3, 1983 at the age of 63.