CorCom calls shutdown on Oct 15
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2021: In commemoration of the National Black Day, the Co-ordination Committee (CorCom) has called a total shutdown in the entire Manipur (Kangleipak) to protest the alleged repressive administration of the Indian Union on October 15 from 6 am to 6 pm.

A press release issued by CorCom urged the people of Kangleipak to shun all forms of celebrations, movement, normal activities during the shutdown hours to protest against the alleged forceful annexation of Manipur by the Indian Union.

Essential and emergency services including medical services, media and religious activities, however, would be exempted from the purview of the shutdown, it added.

CorCom said that Kangleipak which existed as a sovereign kingdom in the WESEA region for centuries with its own written Constitution became a protectorate of the British empire after the Anglo-Manipuri War in 1891 till 1947 .

After the lapse of British suzerainty and as per Indian Independence Act, 1947 (11A), all the princely States including Manipur regained its sovereignty, the outfit said.

Claiming that India, after the British left, began suppressing Kangleipak under its expansionist policy, CorCom alleged that Kangleipak was ultimately annexed by the India on October 15, 1949 by flouting all norms that existed between independent entities.

CorCom further stated that the alleged annexation was opposed by the people of Manipur and on August 25, 1949, the ruling MLAs of Manipur sent a notice to the then Deputy Prime Minister objecting to the same.

Further claiming that scholars from Manipur propagated that Manipur became a part of India even before September 21, 1949 through the Instrument of Accession signed on August 11, 1947, the outfit said that all the princely States regained their independence after the lapse of British suzerainty while Article 2 (1) of the UN Charter put India and Kangleipak on the same level.

According to the Constitution of Manipur (Kangleipak), power lie with the Maharajah in Council, State Council and the Assembly, CorCom claimed and added that the Assembly has the power to supersede even the resolution taken by the Maharajah in Council.

Claiming that the then king of Manipur didn't have the power to take personal decisions in the legitimate interest of the land such as status of Manipur and transfer of administration of Manipur etc as per the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, CorCom alleged that the king was just a Constitutional head.

As per Articles 49, 51 and 25 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), 1969, treaty signed through use of force, intimidation or fraud is not legally valid, CorCom claimed and added that the merger agreement signed by Maharaj Bodhachandra is against the VCLT- 1969 as it was done through intimidation.

CorCom further claimed that the agreement signed should be ratified by the National Assembly of the two entities as per Article 14 (1) (C) of VCLT-1969 .

"The 3rd session of the Manipur Assembly convened on September 28, 1949 opposed the merger agreement while the 2-day National Convention held on October 28-29 , 1993 at GM Hall resolved the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union as illegal and unconstitutional, the CorCom contended that the resolution was endorsed by the National seminar on human right held on December 8 and 9, 1994," it claimed.

Saying that the people of Manipur and the revolutionary groups have been voicing their concern against the 'forceful' merger, CorCom claimed that the Indian occupation army, however, has been suppressing this movement for half a century now using repressive means.

The outfit also expressed disappointment over the United Nations not noticing the Indian colonization.

After the annexation, the subsequent colonial Governments are exploiting the resources of Manipur and harassing her people by violating human rights, CorCom alleged.

Further claiming that the colonial development process and colonial economy is not valuable to the people of Kangleipak, CorCom added that the Indian Union has been exploiting the socio-politics of Manipur since 1949 .

On the health sector, the CorCom stated that the people choose to take their wards to private hospitals despite its treatment cost as all the Government facilities lack facilities and manpower.

Though treatment at private hospitals is not at all a problem for the wealthy, it is a horrendous task for the poor, especially during the Covid pandemic, it added.

Due to COVID-19, schools are still closed but election campaigns are being carried out on a full swing with the leaders of National parties frequently visiting the State, it said and added that the police detained people for violating Covid appropriate behaviour under a certain law on a daily basis, but the same seems to be ineffective against the Ministers and leaders of political parties.

The rate of Covid testing has also dropped considerably in order to hold the State Legislative Assembly election, it claimed and asked the India Government of India and legislators from Manipur who dance to the tune of their leaders to take full responsibility if the Covid situation worsened in future.

Comment