NRFM calls 12-hr general strike today
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 25 2024:
The armed National Revolutionary Front, Manipur (NRFM) has called 12-hour general strike all over Manipur on Friday from 5 am till 5 pm, and called upon the people to support the general strike called to oppose celebration of Republic Day.
A statement issued by the outfit said that observing the day as 'Slavery Day' would be more apt for Manipur as Republic Day does not hold any meaning for its people.
It alleged that the state government, along with the Indian Army, is turning into a mere audience in the current crisis in Manipur, and covering the state in celebrating the day, in a bid to show that Manipur is part of the country, is unacceptable.
It is human nature for the more powerful group to suppress the underprivileged ones.
Unless there is resistance from the weaker groups, the world would not have known what weak means, the statement said.
The Front said that the Government of India has been trying to suppress the people of Manipur by creating chaos and crisis They have been controlling leaders through threat or with money power or by both, as part of their strategy.
In such situation, joining the celebration would not hold any meaning.
The Constitution of India is the foundation of discrimination among people in terms of power, religion and social class.
There has not been a single moment Manipur has not suffered in the 74 years of existence under the Government of India, and people have been enduring the pain and challenges of oppression, the statement said while questioning why the people should forget them and why they should not think of the future.
NRFM also pledged to lay down arms if the governments of India and Manipur can prove the establishment of a democratic government in Manipur with its own Constitution in 1947.The policies and strategies to strengthen the foundation of India in the northeast region are becoming clearer in the recent years, and people are witnessing the results.
It would not be an easy task to get out of this situation but truth will always triumph and victory will prevail, it added.
Manipur predates India as the world knows by many millennia and the Government of India has been planning to disintegrate Manipur over the years.
People need to know that the Government of India can disintegrate Manipur based on the Constitution.
Asking if the people would still celebrate the Republic Day after knowing this fact, the organisation called upon the people to challenge the day in unison.
It also warned the people against defying the general strike, while adding that essential services, media and medical emergencies will not be covered by the general strike.