AMUCO reiterates Constitutional protection
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 05 2023: AMUCO's demand for Constitutional protection for Manipur rang loud when it reached out to the people of Khordak with its "Way Forward Campaign" that aims to sensitise people on the current issues and pave path for peace.

Tracing the history of Manipur, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation's campaign sensitised the people on the present conflict between communities and various threats facing Manipur.

The campaign was held at Khordak Nongmaikhong Community Hall.

AMUCO's publicity secretary Laishram Krishnachandra said the current conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis has plunged Manipur into deep water.

The conflict now has threatened Manipur's territorial boundary and broken peace and harmony among different communities that existed before, he said.

The priority now is ending violence, and to resolve the current conflict and bring peace.

AMUCO has put forward an eight point demand to the Prime Minister, he said.

The AMUCO leader said protection for Manipur under Article 3 of Indian Constitution is a must for the State to protect and safeguard its territorial boundary from all threats now and in future.

Referring to the Kabaw Valley, he recalled that Manipur has lost vast territories in the past.

The 1948 Manipur Legislative Assembly and the formation of the then Council of Ministers is proof that Manipur was a secular and democratic State.

The then Government had the representation of all indigenous communities.

Maharaja Bodhachandra clearly mentioned about the area of Manipur when he inaugurated the Manipur Legislative Session on October 18, 1948, Krishnachandra said.

The Maharaja mentioned that Manipur's total area (excluding the Kabaw Valley) was 8,650 square miles (22,4034 square kilometres) and Kabaw Valley was 7,000 square miles (18,129.92 square kilometres) .

Krishnachandra continued that the Maharaja had said that Manipur was to receive Rs 6,270 per year as tribute from Burma (now Myanmar) for Kabaw Valley until the land was returned to Manipur after its transfer on January 9, 1838 .

(The transfer of Kabaw Valley took place on January 9, 1838 after the signing of the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826) .

After the inauguration of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the power of the Maharaja was thus transferred to the representatives of the people.

The India Government, however, undermined the elected Government of Manipur and on September 21, 1949, Maharaja Bodhachandra was controversially made to sign the Merger Agreement.

The elected Government of Manipur was not consulted, he said.

Manipur's actual boundary and its population were clearly defined before her merger with the Union of India.

Manipur, now, is in turmoil.

Her long history, tradition, culture, peace and harmony that existed among different indigenous communities and her territorial boundary have been threatened, Krishnachandra said.

People must understand the history and the threats to Manipur that have now surfaced.

"Understanding the threats we are facing would help us prevail," he said.

The Way Forward campaign aims to bring understanding of the history of Manipur and all threats facing her.

The campaign will reach the nook and corner of Manipur, he said, seeking the support of the people.

Notably, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has been demanding Constitutional protection for Manipur.

AMUCO's 8-point demands include;
1) Steps should be taken up to stop all clashes.

2) The Government should compensate and facilitate the return of all displaced people to their original places.

3) A clause to protect Manipur's territorial integrity must be inserted under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution has provisions to form new States and alter areas, boundaries or names of existing States.

A Clause to protect Manipur's territorial boundary must be inserted under this Article, said AMUCO.

4) National Register of Citizens (NRC) should be implemented in Manipur to detect illegal immigrants and deport them.

5) Reorganisation of districts to do away with divisions and political units based on community.

Reorganise Kangpokpi district which was earlier known as Sadar Hills and Bishnupur district to protect the interests of smaller communities that are under Churachandpur district.

6) Moreh and Behiang should be made special administrative zones.

These places are special economic zones and are inhabited by different communities.

Considering the strategic importance, these places should be made special administrative zones, said AMUCO.

7) Protection of community reserved forests.

8) Curb narco-trade and poppy cultivation.

The Way Forward Campaign, under AMUCO, was organised by Khordak Nongmaikhong United Clubs' Organisation (KHNUCO) in association with United Clubs' Organisation of Bishnupur District (UCOBID) .

KHNUCO advisor T Budhi, president S Premkumar, secretary N Shantikumar, UCOBID president W Basanta, Khordak Meira Paibi president Lalita and AMEDCO president Loitongbam Ibotombi among others attended the campaign.

Comment