Understanding history essential for peace: AMUCO
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 05 2023:
All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has urged the people of the state to extend cooperation in its search for a path towards lasting peace by understanding the history of Manipur during this time of crisis.
As part of the 'Way Forward' campaign launched by AMUCO, Khordak Nongmaikhong United Clubs' Organisation (KHNUCO) which is an affiliate of United Clubs' Organisation of Bishnupur District (UCOBID), organised a function at Khordak Nongmaikhong community hall on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, AMUCO publicity secretary L Krishnachandra regretted that Manipur has been facing humanitarian crisis for a long time with communal harmony and territorial integrity at stake due to various influences.
It is time we discuss thoroughly and try to understand the prevailing situation and face it, the secretary emphasised.
He further said that to find a way towards peace and harmonious settlement of all, AMUCO submitted an 8-point memorandum to PM Narendra Modi.
Krishnachandra also said that the existence of Manipur Legislative Assembly in 1948 proves that Manipur was a kingdom centred on secularism and democracy.
The foundation of the political administration in the then Manipur Kingdom was such that all the ethnic communities were brought under a common platform.
This fact was also kept in the mind of the people of the then Manipur Kingdom and the leaders when the Constitution of Manipur was drafted.
The actual length and breadth of Manipur was highlighted by the then Maharaja Bodhchandra during his opening speech in the Manipur Legislative Assembly session on October 18, 1984, Krishnachandra said and added that Maharaja Bodhchandra informed the house that during that time the total area of Manipur was 865 square mile and that of Kabow valley 7000 sq mile.
According to the agreement signed on January 9, 1838, during the rule of Maharaja Gambhir Singh, Burma had to pay an amount of Rs 6270 to Manipur until the Kabow valley was handed over to Manipur.
The power of the King was handed over to the people and the real power of government was in the hands of the elected assembly.
However, the government of India failed to acknowledge the existence of Manipur assembly and its constitution when Manipur was merged with the Indian Union on September 21, 1949 without consulting the elected assembly which had the power to govern Manipur, Krishnachandra said and added that Manipur before merger had its own specific population and area.
All these facts should be made aware to the public and help in searching the path towards lasting peace as is being initiated by AMUCO, he reiterated.
The function was also attended by KHNUCO advisor Budhi, president S Premkumar and secretary N Shanti-kumar, UCOBID president W Basanta and Khordak Meira Lup president N Lalita as presidium members while AMEDCO president L Ibotombi was present as resource person.