DMCC celebrates "75th Year of People's Unity & Democracy in Manipur"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 20 2023:
To mark the 75th year of the inauguration of democratic form of Government in Manipur, Delhi Meetei Co-Ordinating Committee (DMCC) organised a celebration on the theme, "Celebrating the 75th Year of People' s Unity & Democracy in Manipur" at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi on October 18, 2023 .
In a release, DMCC informed that on the historic day of October 18, 1948, the first legislative body of the State was inaugurated in Imphal by the then Maharaja of Manipur.
This was the first time that such a legislative body was constituted on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise in the entire South and South East.
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As part of his keynote address, Dr Malem Ningthouja, spokesperson of DMCC, gave a broad outline of the history of the evolution of modern Manipur.
Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, JNU, delivered a lecture on the topic, "We, the People: A Reflection on the Trajectory of Society and Polity in Manipur" .
He underscored the transformation of the people of Manipur from subjects to citizens of a modern nation and added that this emergence of the idea of the people which celebrated inclusivity, equality and liberty articulated a new form of sovereignty.
Addressing the relevance of the occasion to the present crisis of Manipur, he reiterated the dangers of not only exclusivist identity aspirations and the language of "imperial nostalgia" but of rewarding violence as a means to an end.
Rajendra Pal Gautam, former Minister of Social Justice and present MLA of Delhi Legislative Assembly, spoke about the collective tragedy of Manipur at present and called for restoration of peace.
I Hemochandra Singh, former Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, bemoaned how the fabric of a composite society has now been shattered.
He further emphasized that history is testament to how the Meiteis have been a very tolerant and accommodative community but that circumstances and conditions have stretched them beyond endurance.
Dr Seram Rojesh, convenor DMCC, reiterated the significance of the occasion and the commitment of DMCC to stay independent of all political affiliations while also welcoming alliances to help address the present crisis in Manipur.
Ranjana Longjam, core member of DMCC, was the moderator and Hijam Rajen, advisor of DMCC, proposed the vote of thanks.