AMSU commemorates Hunger Marchers' Day, demands price control
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 27 2022: All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) on Saturday observed the 57th Hunger Marchers' Day commemorating the public movement of August 27, 1965 against shortage of food-grain owing to the then government's flawed policy.

AMSU president Haobijam Chalamba hoisted the union's flag at Pishum Chingamacha memorial complex in the early morning.

Floral tributes were paid to the martyred students, Oinam Nabakumar, Nongmeikappam Pramodini, Waikhom Nilamani and Laishram Chaobhal, who were killed in the public movement.

A mass rally was also organised as part of the observance.

The rally was flagged off from Pishum Chingamacha and culminated at DM College of Arts ground after traversing through Yumnam Leikai, Yaiskul Police Lane, Keishamthong, Keishampat, Nagamapal and Thangmeiband.

A public meeting was held at the college ground under the theme 'Learn for emancipation'.

AMSU former president Ayekpam Dijen, AMSU president Haobijam Chalamba and AMSU advisor & UCM vice-president YK Dhiren attended the public meeting as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Chalamba expressed concern over the rising prices of essential commodities and asked the government not to invite another public movement.

Urging the government to control the price rise, he drew the government's attention towards the need for framing a policy to bring self-reliance in terms of food production.

He asked the MLAs and ministers to stop interfering in distribution of PDS benefits and also called for adequate and timely provision of urea to the farmers.

In his speech, YK Dhiren called for following the righteous path shown by the forefathers with the sense of patriotism and responsibility.

The younger generations need to participate in democratic movements if they want to enjoy their democratic rights, he stressed and also called for making the state self-reliant in food production, and also for public participation in the fight against drugs.

Family members of the four martyrs, who lost their lives in the 1965 public movement, were also honoured by presenting gifts on the occasion.

Later, in the evening, a play based on events that led to Hunger Marchers' Day was presented at Rupmahal Theatre.

On the other hand, Shillong Manipuri Students' Union (SMSU) has congratulated AMSU on completing 57 years of existence in public service.

In a statement, SMSU recalled how the public rose against the policy of the then government, which created artificial shortage of foods, how AMSU was formed in the aftermath of the movement and how AMSU has since then been taking active part on different social causes.

AMSU Tengnoupal district committee also observed the day at Eastern Shine School, Moreh on Saturday.

AMSU HQ advisor Th Suresh, Tengnoupal district committee president N Tomba, Meetei Council Moreh president M Thoiba and Kha-Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup president Th Ibemhal Leima attended the event as the presidium members.

Members of Sanamahi Puya Santhok Lup Moreh, staff and students of Eastern Shine School and members of clubs and Meira Paibi associations of five Meetei localities of Moreh also participated in the event.

Floral tributes were paid to the four martyrs on the occasion.

At the same time, AMSU District Committee Jiribam also observed the day at its conference hall with former president of the district committee advocate L Romen, district committee president Thanil Thokchom and Jiri Development Organisation president N Sadananda as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, AMSU District Committee Jiribam former president Th Brojen highlight the possible impact of rail service reaching Imphal as it could lead to rampant exploitation of natural resources of the state.

Though the rail service is set to bring a new dimension in the development pace of the state, it also has the potential to further deteriorate the social structure and economy of the state, and it is not a matter, which should be ignored, he contended.

He also highlighted the present condition of Jiribam, where the indigenous population are becoming minority in a fast pace and added that the same situation could prevail in Imphal and surrounding area once the rail service reach the state capital.

Former president of the district unit Dr Arunkumar and chief advisor B Sarat spoke on the contribution of AMSU and student community in the society.

Floral tributes were paid to the portraits of the four martyrs of the 1965 public movement.

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