AMSU Commemorates 33rd Anti-Foreigner Movement
Caution sounded against large scale influx
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 17 2013: Renewed calls were made for protecting the indigenous people as All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) today observed the 33rd Realisation Day in commemoration of the vigorous anti-foreigner movement of the 1980s.The main commemorative function was organised by the students' body at the students' memorial complex atop Pishum Ching wherein former and present AMSU functionaries led the students in offering floral tributes to the martyred student activists.

Representatives of several civil society organisations also joined in paying obeisance at the memorial site after which a meeting was held at the nearby Pishum Ground.

Presenting the keynote address, AMSU general secretary Leishangthem Romen cautioned that compared to the early 1980s, which was marked by intense students-led movement to drive out foreigners from Manipur, present day situation is a chilling reminder for all as there had been ceaseless influx of non-locals.

Students paying tributes

Highlighting that number of non-local population are on the verge of overtaking the combined total of indigenous people sooner than expected, he held the political class responsible for the locals facing perilous situation at the current juncture.

Contending that politicians have been encouraging thronging of non-locals into the State and randomly registering non-locals as genuine electorates with an eye on furthering political agenda and mileage, Romen said AMSU do not harbour ill-will against any particular community or communities but will not remain idle if there is threat to the indigenous people consequent to influx of non-locals.

As chief guest of the commemorative function former AMSU president Mongjam Abhiram, who is presently Additional Director MACS, said that history is a grim reminder that every indigenous community throughout the world had been enduring strong socio-economic challenges from non-local dominant group of people.

Highlighting that a number of indigenous people have gradually been completely wipe out from the surface of the earth with many more continuing to face similar threat, he cautioned that Manipur will certainly pay a heavy price if there is any delay in checking influx of outsiders into the State.

While the masses need to contribute its mite in protecting the tradition and distinct existence of Manipur and its people it is the Government that should take the leading role in checking influx of non-locals.

Reader of English Department of Manipur University Dr Gambhir Singh, another former president of AMSU, in his address, suggested that along with involvement in academic matters, student organisations need to take active part in social issues.

Expressing that there is strong need to commemorate historical events to not only drive home its significance but to keep the masses abreast on present day requirements, Dr Gambhir opined that all outstanding issues concerning interest of the masses can be effectively settled if there is sincerity, determination and synergy amongst the student bodies.

Welcoming introduction of Meetei Mayek in the school curriculum, he also proposed that languages and scripts of all the indigenous people be included as school curriculum.

Speaking at the occasion, AMSU president Thiyam Naresh regretted that from being a sovereign and indomitable kingdom Manipur in the present day has been reduced to nation mired in myriad dangers, with rapid increase in population of non-locals one of the gravest problems besieging Manipur.

Pointing out that even during the British rule there was restriction on entry of non-locals into Manipur, Naresh affirmed that introduction of inner line permit system in Manipur is a must to tackle one of the most challenging tasks of saving the indigenous people.

Manipur College Lecturer (English) Lairenjam Gojendro, another former AMSU president and functionaries of civil society organisations also spoke at the commemorative function.