CorCom recalls Manipur's sovereign existence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 07 2025: The proscribed Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of armed organisations operating in Manipur and WESEA region, extended revolutionary greetings to the people and armed organisations of Manipur (Kangleipak) and the region ahead of its 14th foundation anniversary, which falls on July 8 (Tuesday) .

The CorCom also paid tributes to all those who sacrificed their lives during the course of revolutionary movement and expressed gratitude to the people for endorsing the revolutionary movement despite facing immense pain and suffering at the hands of adversary elements.

Sharing pain and suffering of the people, a CorCom statement issued on the occasion said freedom and development are the highest characteristics of human beings as the society would be reduced to animalism when these human characters are broken.

As Manipur (Kangleipak) lived with these human characters for a long time, none of the hills and valley dwellers of the land wants to destroy these characters.

Accordingly, Manipur (Kangleipak) successfully conducted democratic election in 1948 and had people's (democratic) government after the end of British colonial rule in 1947.With the successful conduct of election under constitutional monarchy, the then monarch system too became symbolic and power vested upon the people thereby fulfilling all the characteristics of a modern nation.

The main responsibility for the movement for a modern nation in Manipur (Kangleipak) was shouldered by Hijam Irabot, who played prominent role in mobilising people towards a democratic and egalitarian society.

Irabot also sowed the seed for renewed freedom in the social-democracy fertile nation.

Following the fall of British colonialism, Manipur (Kangleipak) regained freedom on August 14,1947 and formed an interim government with prominent indigenous leaders including R Bob Khating, TC Tiangkham and Md Basiruddin Ahmed holding ministerial positions.

The then new generation of hills and valley set aside community affiliations and paved the path for a multi-ethnic and secular Manipur (Kangleipak) by forming a 16-mem-ber Constituent Assembly on March 10, 1947.Erstwhile prominent figures like A Daiho, Thangkhopao Kipgen, TC Tiangkham, Teba Kilong and R Suisa were members of the Constituent Assembly.

On July 26 the same year, the then king signed 'The Manipur (Kangleipak) Constitution Act, 1947' which became operational while the interim government made functional the then Constitutional Monarch.

Later, general elections were held in the months of June and July, 1948 through adult franchise and joint electorate.

The first session of the Manipur national parliament was convened on October 18, 1948 wherein 'Proclamation' of the Head of the State (king of Manipur) on Manipur (Kangleipak) nation's thoughts and sovereignty were made clearly.

This 'Proclamation' by 'His Highness Maharaja' clearly reflected the 'Idea of Manipur (Kangleipak)' and the proudness of having a people's (democratic) government ahead of India.

The 'Proclamation' also clearly mentioned that 'the integrity and separate entity of the state (Manipur) is preserved forever as heretofore ensured by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru' and this made clear the sovereign entity of Manipur (Kangleipak) and India should honour this.

The 'Proclamation' also clearly mentioned that Manipur (Kangleipak) existed as a powerful nation for a long time due to unified stand of hills and valley people and collective protection while administration of hills and valley separately started only after the British came, the CorCom said adding that the oneness/unity of Manipur (Kangleipak) was restored with departure of the British.

The CorCom further said that the statement made by 'His Highness Maharaja' in the first session of the Manipur national parliament was historic as it laid down the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-cultural co-existence portraying Manipur (Kangleipak) as a 'primordial nation' as defined by jus sanguinis (right of blood) rooted in shared ancestry and culture.

After the end of colonialism, the movement for 'civic nationalism' for a new society came and even realised the dream of having social democracy.

This made Manipur (Kangleipak) a modern nationality and constitutional entity based on jus soil (right of soil), the CorCOm said and claimed that Manipur (Kangleipak) had democratic constitution far ahead of India.

According to the CorCom statement issued by publicity committee, Manipur (Kangleipak) had deep rooted civic culture before the British came and this signifies self-reliant sustenance of hills and valley dwellers of the land with surplus economy and socio-cultural heritage.

The phrase 'Chingna Koina Pansaba, Chingmeena Koina Pan-Ngakpa' as used by forefathers of the land signifies existence of Manipur (Kangleipak) as national geo-body entity even before the British came with deep-rooted historical and cultural legacy.

This phrase also proved that Manipur (Kangleipak) was not an ethnic based nation even during the pre-British era and also signifies existence of a thriving civilization developed through its own traditions.

Concluding the statement, the CorCom questioned legitimacy of the Manipur's Kangleipak) accession to India through the merger agreement of October 15, 1949 and argued that Manipur's (Kangleipak) status as a historically sovereign and politically advanced nation for a long time made such a merger contentious.

It also said that the people of Manipur must continue the struggle for self-determination while reflecting on their rich common history and tradition.

The conglomerate organisation also suggested that it would be better for all the communities of Manipur (Kangleipak) to sneak out of the idea of building ethnic based fortresses as it will gain nothing.

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