CIRCA renews call for Pre-Merger status
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 14 2025: The Coalition for Indigenes' Rights Campaign (CIRCA) on Thursday observed the 79th Manipur Independence Day at Keibi Mana Ching with a renewed calls for Manipur's pre-merger political status marking the commemorative event.

Speakers contended that the current unrest situation would not have occurred had Manipur not joined the Indian union.

The event, which featured the hoisting of the flag of Ibudhou Pakhangba, was led by CIRCA president Somorendro Thokchom, who accused the Government of India of pursuing "divide and rule" policy that has undermined unity of the state.

If Manipur had been in the pre-merger political status, the current situation would not have happened, Somorendro said.

CIRCA renews call for Pre-Merger status

He compared the present divisive rhetoric to the period of the "Seven Years Devastation" during the monarchy, noting that even today, Independence Day events are held by different organisations with differences of opinion.

He criticised the political elites for prioritising personal interests and overly infatuated with appeasing the central leaders rather than working for the people, stating such a mind-set and advocacy has prevented a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

The CIRCA president stressed the need for unity with a common ideology in order to live freely, while cautioning all concerned that the government of India has been exploiting lack of unity among the people.

Drawing a parallel with Vietnam's liberation from the United States, he stressed that unity is essential and called upon the masses to be wary about pseudo-patriots.

Speaking on the occasion, CIRCA secretary general Leishangthem Lamyanba highlighted Manipur's political history, recalling that after the British granted independence to Manipur, it became the first in South-East Asia to draft its own constitution and form a popular government through elections.

This government was later suppressed by Indian leaders, and even today, they are interfering in the governance by sending a security advisor, he reasoned.

Lamyanba lamented that many have forgotten that Manipur's independence predates India's, and added that such loss of awareness leads to loss of history.

He argued that a proper solution to Manipur's issues requires restoring the pre-merger political status or granting a similar special status.

The event was attended by CIRCA vice-president Longjam Ratan, Women's Association for Socio Economic Development president RK Tharaksana, Iramdam Kan-ba Apunba Lup president Naorem Memma Leima, Keibi Bot Makhong Meira Paibi president Th Inaocha, Keibi Salam Meira Paibi president Sagolshem Ngangbiton, and Irabot Memorial Trust, Keibi assistant secretary A Surendro.