CSOs observe 'Manipur I-Day'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 14 2022:

AMUCO
The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Manipur at Kwakeithel and Hojai, Assam, today.

At Hojai, the Independence Day was celebrated at five villages together with the local people by hoisting the Manipur National flag.

Notably, a team of AMUCO volunteers led by its president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang are in Assam since August 9 and they have been reaching out to the Meiteis and the Meitei Pangals there.

During the observance, the AMUCO team extended a cash incentive of Rs 10,000 to the Hojai Thang Ta Association.

Flags which represented the independent kingdom of Manipur were hoisted at Kathatoli, Udaipur, Bishnupur, Moinapathar and Jugijan Rajbari.

AMUCO also hoisted the flag embossed with Ibudhou Pakhangba's Paphal at its office at Kwakeithel today.

The observance was attended by AMUCO vice president Koijam Helen, advisor Ito Tongbram and other functionaries of the organisation.

AMUCO, in a statement, stated that Manipur was treated as a Part C State following its merger with India on October 15, 1949.Saying that the Manipuris are forced to live under difficult circumstances soon after it lost its independence again, AMUCO prayed the 'Independence Day' may guide the State towards a better future.

Other organisations such as SILIMPAL, IEDUCO, UCOBID, ATDUCO, IEDUCO, KADUKO, IWDUCO and Meira Paibi lups also observed the Independence Day of Manipur.

CIRCA
IMPHAL, Aug 14: The Coalition for Indigenes' Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur celebrated the 76th Independence Day of Manipur at Mana Ching, Keibi by hoisting the flag which is embossed with Ibudhou Pakhangba today.

A press release issued by CIRCA stated that the celebration was graced by CIRCA president Somorendro Thokchom, HERICOUN president Longjam Ratankumar, WESDEV president RK Tharaksana, LOUSAL president Mutum Churamani and IKAL secretary Wahengbam Luwangleima.

At the event, Ratankumar said that erstwhile kingdom of Kangleipak which was annexed by the British in 1891 got its independence in 1947.Protraying Manipur as an entity which took part in the freedom struggle of India by distorting the historical facts on many occasions is rather unfortunate, the HERICOUN president said and continued that "our forefathers who fought for the sake of sovereignty of Manipur should never be portrayed as the freedom fighters of India".

CIRCA president Somorendro, on the other hand, stressed the need to educate the present generation about the history of Manipur.

On Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, Somorendro said that the Government's instruction to all the departments and people to hoist the National flag of India on August 13 was disappointing as it undermined the sacrifice of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and many others who were hanged for waging war against the British.

He said that CIRCA will submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister N Biren Singh in this regard.

Somerendro alleged that Manipur was forcefully merged with the Indian Union in 1949 and it led to complete collapse of Manipur Nationalism.

UCM
IMPHAL, Aug 14 : The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has extended its greetings to the people on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day of Manipur and prayed that August 14 which marks the end of British rule may bring forth an egalitarian and healthy society.

In a statement issued by its IPR secretary Leishemba Lamaba, the UCM recalled that Manipur got independence from the 'colonial' rule of the British after 56 years on August 14, 1947.Saying that the Union Jack (flag) of the British empire was pulled down following the declaration of independence and it was replaced with the white flag embossed with Ibudhou Pakhangba's Paphal at Kangla, the UCM stated that the same flag which was hoisted on the historic day is still preserved at Manipur State Museum.

Further stating that Manipur has a written historical record of over 2000 years with its own culture and identity, the committee continued that the erstwhile kingdom even had its written Constitution in the 11th century in the form of Loyumba Sinyen.

Manipur was ruled by 76 successive king from 33 AD till 1949, it said and added that many flags which were used to represent different periods of the independent kingdom are also still preserved at Manipur State Kala Akademi, Manipur State Museum, Kangla Museum etc.

The UCM then urged the people of Manipur to work collectively towards building a developed and self-sufficient society.

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