Indian Constitution should reflect aspiration of the people of Manipur: MPDF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 26 2018:
The Manipur People's Democratic Front today alleged that the turmoil and the problems prevailing in the State is due to the Constitution of India which was drafted and enacted without any representative of the State.
The Constitution needstoreflectthe aspiration of the people of the State and the State Government and MPs should work towards this end, said MPDF in a statement today.
Stating that November 26 is an important day in the history of India, MPDF said that the day is observed as National Law Day also known Samvidhan Divas every year to commemorate the adoption of Constitution of India on November 26, 1949.The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950.However, the Constitution fails to reflect the aspiration of the Manipuris as there was no State representatives in the drafting committee, alleged MPDF.
Manipur was a princely State for years.
It had its own Manipur State Constitution Act 1947 enforced even before India got its Constitution.
Manipur had its election in June-July 1948 before India and elected MK Priyobarta as its Chief Minister, said MPDF.
After Manipur was merged with the Union of India, it became a part of India from October 15, 1949.Manipur was designated as a "Part C" State under a Chief Commissioner and Inner Line Permit System was removed then, said MPDF.
"Article 371C of the Indian Constitution cannot hold the integrity of Manipur intact.
60 MLAs, three MPs should know this and act accordingly to reflect the aspirations of the people of the State as a whole in the Constitution," it said.
"As with JamU and Kashmir, the Indian Constitution should extend Article 370 or enact and insert similar Article and give Autonomous status to Manipur," demanded MPDF.
Inner Line Permit should be enforced in the State as it is no different from other North-East States which have similar systems to protect indigenous people, it said and urged the 60 MLAs and MPs to work towards achieving the aspiration of the people who elected them.