ASUK declares shutdown on Republic Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 23 2025:
The armed Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK) has declared a total shutdown on January 26 to mark boycott of India's Republic Day celebration in Manipur on the day.
The total shutdown effective from 6 am till 4 pm will not cover medical, emergency, education, fire, electricity and religious ceremonies, informed ASUK publicity committee convener S Mangai in a statement, while appealing to the people not to participate in the Republic Day celebration of India in the state.
He stated that India is celebrating Republic Day on January 26 to commemorate enforcement of its own Constitution after getting freedom from the British.
"For the mainland Indians, January 26 is not only a joyous and the biggest day but also the first step to live with dignity at par with the global people after sneaking out of slavery for more than one thousand years.
However, January 26 is very sad and shameful day for the people of Manipur as it was from this day that 'Kanglei' people became slaves after reducing their own democratic government to outsider's administration" .
According to S Mangal, after the British left on August 14, 1947, Manipur had democratic government through adult franchise and even convened assembly (parliament) on October 18, 1948 .
The then king (Bodhchandra) was a mere constitutional head at the time and his address at the assembly session mentioned that 'I had transferred my powers and responsibilities other than those of a constitutional Ruler to the State Council since July 1, 1947 before the lapse of the British Paramountcy and since then I have already remained as a Constitutional Ruler'.
Mangal reminded that King Bodhchandra's remark meant that he had left political power of Manipur to the people through a responsible government.
In fact, July 1, 1947 is the real Republic Day for the people of Manipur or October 18, 1948, the day Manipur assembly convened its first session.
However, king Bodhchandra, despite having no political power and without consulting the Manipur State Assembly sign the merger agreement under duress on September 21, 1949 at Shillong and Manipur was forcibly merged to India on October 15 the same year.
After becoming part of India, Manipur's history, administration, economy, society, lifestyles, culture and tradition turned topsy-turvy and destroyed completely, Mangal said, adding that the sovereign Manipur was even reduced to a Part-C state governed by chief commissioner, he recounted.
While recalling historical events during the Part-C stage from 1952 to 1957, Territorial Council stage from 1957 to 1963, Union Territory with Legislature stage after 1962 and from getting statehood in 1972 till date, the ASUK convener termed the political system in Manipur since becoming the part of India till date as remnant of colonialism.
Criticising India of failing to uphold rights and dignity of the people of Manipur, Mangal emphasised the need for the people of Manipur to resist forcible occupation and reclaim historical legacy.
He then called upon people to endorse the shutdown as a mark of protest against the continued oppression of Manipur under Indian administration.
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