People should have control of their own Government : HERICOUN
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 11 2023:
Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) has called on the public to come together to resolve various ills plaguing the society as Manipuri mothers united beyond communal lines to save Manipur during the Nupi Lan movement.
In a release, HERICOUN recalled the events of December 12, 1939 where Manipuri women revolted against the import of rice by non-local merchants triggering an artificial famine in the State.
"As womenfolk stormed the State Durbar Office, one Indian officer, seven Assam Rifles personnel and 21 women were injured in the confrontation that ensued.
Following this incident, rice-mills operated by non-locals were shut down and their supply of paddy was restricted", it added.
"As the movement gained more momentum, scuffles with security personnel became more frequent and forty women and some men sustained injuries on January 14, 1940.Thereafter, they resolved to stop paying taxes to the colonial British Government", said HERICOUN.
HERICOUN maintained that the greatest lesson that people should infer from the Nupi Lan movement is that people should have control of their own Government.
The oppressive policies of the colonial British Government caused insurmountable suffering to the public, especially the womenfolk.
"Today India is the largest democracy in the world with a population of 141.24 crore.
Since Manipur's merger with the India Union, a variety of issues, problems have befallen the State.
However, the hardships caused by the then colonial British Government pale in comparison to the adversities faced by the Manipuri people in this democratic society", claimed HERICOUN.
"The current imbroglio that Manipur faces is also due to an unproficient Government and elected representatives who have failed to work honestly for a prolonged period for people's welfare", it added.
HERICOUN also asserted that just as Manipuri mothers suffered under the oppressive rule of the colonial British Government, womenfolk of the State now deal with issues of violation of human rights, growing gap between the rich and the poor, trust deficit between different communities etc.
HERICOUN further appealed to the people to unite beyond communal lines to deal with these issues and resolve them amicably.