Reappraisal of "Merger Agreement" must to save Manipur, says Lancha
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19 2023:
It is high time for reappraisal the "Merger Agreement" of Manipur into India in 1949 to save Manipur, said social and cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha who is also the "Thouburel" of Meitei Phambei (assembly) .
Lancha made the statement while opening a sitting of Meitei Phambei today at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district which was attended by people from nearly 200 villages from across the State.
The sitting held at Ibudhou Nongpok Ningthou Apanba Apanbi shanglen was also attended by a huge number of members of Langsai Thouna from Kakching who arrived with a peace rally.
Addressing the gathering, Lancha said that the recent unprecedented ethnic polarization has brought significant challenges to the State.
Notwithstanding the agreement, Manipur has never been able to witness self rule and as such many unseen forces have been affecting the State's economy, health and educational sector for long, he observed.
The ongoing crisis has forced thousands of farmers to stay off farm and there have been continuous attacks by Kuki militants despite the deployment of Central security forces to guard the farmers.
The situation has eventually rendered the "Look East Policy, Act East Policy" meaningless, he said.
He also stressed on the need of revisiting the State's rich position prior to the merger with India and preparation for a better future for the youth.
"In order to safeguard the State, we need to relook the 'Merger Agreement of 1949' and make necessary changes and rectifications," he said while stating that the Phambei sitting was called considering the need for a gathering to discuss the matter as done traditionally in the olden days.
"Being a border State, we should stress on establishing diplomatic ties with all feasible countries as much as possible", he said.
To realise this, Phambei in every nook and corner of the State should be encouraged and used for discussing common welfare, security and prosperity of the State, he said.
He also dwelt on the organisation structure of Phambei and how these organs should function.
Kangla Phambei should be the highest/State's Phambei after Leikai Phambei, Khul Phambei, Pana Phambei, he said while adding that these Phambeis should be effectively used as a platform for decision making.