Merger pact, crisis situation dominate Black Day observance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, September 21 2023: Black Day Organising Committee Manipur on Thursday observed September 21, the day the Manipur Merger agreement was signed by the then king Bodhchandra in Shillong in 1949, as Black Day or 'Manipur Gi Ningtamba Mangkhiba Numit' at Ikop Ningthou Heirok Laikol along with organising a discussion session.

The Black Day observance cum discussion moderated by retired IAS Rk Nimai was also attended by Joint Committee on Protection of Affected Meitei Victims functionary Kh Ratan, Salai Kanba Lup vice chairman L Gopal Singh, United Council for Restoration of Communal Harmony general secretary Islam Makakcha, advocate Passing Golmei, Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur acting president Lokendro, cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha, social activist Th Brinda and Lairen Kabi Meira Paibi president Ch Pakpi as presidium members.

In his speech at the observance, Ningthouja Lancha said that the then king of Manipur Bodhchandra was forced to sign on Manipur Merger agreement in Shillong on September 21, 1949 without the approval of the people and Manipur State Assembly consequently making Manipur a part of the Indian Union.

Ever since Manipur became an entity of India, many Kukis and Paites from Myanmar entered Manipur illegally as the state's territory could not be protected and these foreigners evicted indigenous people to grab their land, he Said and cited eviction of indigenous Meetei people from Moreh and Churachandpur as example.

Most of the speakers at the observance pointed out that there is no sign of administration in Manipur at present and demanded a meaningful merger with India.

It is natural for the people of Manipur to ponder over seriously for return to the erstwhile pre-merger status if there is no administration in Manipur and the merger with India does not have any meaning, they said.

In his key note address, Heirok Apunba Club convener Th Roshan said that the long sovereign history of Manipur is being kept in the dark at present and the Black Day observance at the crucial juncture provides the right moment for the people to discuss and deliberate on the root cause of the present conflict.

Comment