Merger, SoO pads anti-thesis to 'Idea of Manipur': Nando
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 28 2024: Pabung Iboyaima Memorial Trust observed the 8th death anniversary of Thounaojam Iboyaima at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall on Monday.

Paying of rich floral tributes to the portrait of Thounaojam Iboyaima and a public meet on the theme 'Pabung Iboyaima and the Idea of Manipur' were high-lights of the observance function attended by CSOs, Meira Paibi and student leaders.

As one of the presidium members, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Nando Luwang said it is due to seen and unseen policies and activities of the government of India that voices from different quarters are being raised about step-motherly treatment of the people of Manipur and the centre not recognising the people of the state as citizens of the country.

In case the Government of India does not stop policies to divide communities settling together in Manipur with the 'Idea of Manipur', there will surely be a collective voice from the people to separate Manipur from India one day, he cautioned.

Nando maintained that even though armed Kukis are trying to distort the 'Idea of Manipur', there are many among the Kuki-Zo public who are against the activities of the armed Kukis but are unable to raise their voice as the government of India does not provide them proper protection.

As such the 'Idea of Manipur' is seemingly under distortion and the Government of India must be held accountable for creating such a situation, Nando contended, adding that the people of Manipur will never accept the Government of India's policies and activities to distort Manipur.

According to Nando Luwang, distortion of the 'Idea of Manipur' began when 'Merger Agreement' and SoO agreement were signed with the involvement of people raised and grown up in Manipur.

At one point of time, separatism among communities settling in Manipur developed after the merger agreement as the Government of India kept Manipur as if under a cage.

Now, the SoO agreement signed with Kuki militants has paved the way for the militants to demand a separate territory, he said, adding that both the agreements were quite contradictory to the 'Idea of Manipur'.

While recalling that Thounaojam Iboyaima worked with the eye on 'Idea of Manipur' to bring inclusive development and collective survival, Nando Luwang said the public meet was organised to take firm decision against any step to distort the 'Idea of Manipur' .

The observance function was also attended by Trust convener Kh Gopen Luwang, AMAWOVA president Y Kunjarani, AMESCO president L Ibotombi Meitei, MMUC president T Diyananda, MSF president Hijam Roshan, Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur president S Memcha, COHR president Phulindro Konsam, NRC president Thangam Ajit, MMPACO president Y Hayatur Rahman and AMCSU president K Premkanta.

In his speech at the public meet, Gopen Luwang said the increasing demand for union territory status by various communities are against the foundational 'Idea of Manipur' as envisioned by late Pabung Iboyaima who was regarded as father of social work.

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