CIRCA observes National Repentance Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 21 2016:
The Coalition for Indigenes' Right Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur observed the National Repentance Day at Manipur Press Club today.
Centre for Myanmar Studies, Manipur University, Professor W Nabakumar moderated the panel discussion session of the observance while retired Deputy Registrar, MU, Dr Oinam KuIIabidhu; cultural
activist Ningthouja Lancha; Centre for South East Asian Studies, MU, Research Associate Kangujam Sanatomba and retired Director of Health Services Manipur Dr Th Suresh attended as resource persons.
In his key-note address CIRCA Manipur convenor Thokchom Somorendro blamed the merger agreement for the various issues of the State.
"Many lives were lost on the issue of territorial integrity; the people continue to suffer owing to recurrent blockades and counter-blockades and to top it all off the Indian Army under the cover of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) kill countless number of people.
All these happened because of the merger agreement", Somorendro stated.
He also cited the ongoing Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) and ST demand movement of the people blaming the merger as the root cause of these movements.
Cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha said there are written records that prove that Manipur existed as a sovereign kingdom before its merger with India.
National Repentence Day is observed in denunciation of Merger Agreement signed by Maharaj Bodhachandra at Shillong on September 21, 1949 .
Manipur existed as an independent kingdom in South East Asia.
Manipur's Nationhood should be restored and all the major political issues of the State can be resolved only when there is self-governance, he added.
Most of the existing States of India were independent kingdoms, Ningthouja Lancha said adding that perhaps this is one reason why there are conflicts at various parts of India.
People of Manipur were compelled to raise the demands for ILPS, ST status for Meetei/Meitei and recognition of Manipuri language as a classical language after all their political rights were usurped, Lancha said.
"We should have clear concepts about our territory, population and sovereignty.
Manipur existed as a sovereign Nation," Lancha stated.