Anti-foreigner campaign remembered
AMSU observes Realisation Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 17: In commemoration of the student movement launched in 1979 and 1980 against influx of outsiders in Manipur and in remembrance of Potsangbam Premananda and Huidrom Lokendra who were killed in the movement, the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) observed the 28th Realisation Day (Mitkap Thokpa Numit) at Pishum Chinga Macha Students' Memorial complex.

The main feature of the observance attended by a large number of students and representatives of civil organisations was offering of tributes at the memorial tomb of the departed students.

Students paying homage on the occassion of Realisation Day at Pishum Chinga Macha Students' Memorial complex

After hoisting the AMSU's flag at the memorial complex, a public meeting was also held at Hao ground with AMSU president Khamba Laishram, former presidents L Saratchandra and Y Priyokumar as presidium members.

Many speakers who addressed the meeting observed that the people of Manipur are caught in a highly insecure situation where violence of most serious nature has become a daily affair.

They noted that it is almost out of question for people living under such anarchic situation to make any stride towards development and progress.

Under the administrative set-up and Constitution of India, the freedom of the people of Manipur has been severely curtailed.

They lamented that the present situation in Manipur is marked by regular and frequent extra-judicial killings, fake encounters and custodial deaths.

The woes of the people is further multiplied by intimidations, abduction for ransom and arbitrary killings, they noted.

While observing that a large number of immigrants have not only settled in the State but also monopolised the commercial activities of the State, the speakers stated that the AMSU has been urging upon the Government of India to deport back illegal immigrants settling in the State since 30 years back.

Rather than respecting the demand of the students, the State arrested and shot dead students.

Such attitude and treatment meted out to the students is largely responsible for the alarming spurt in crime rate.

For these unwanted outcomes, the Govt of India and State Govt should be held responsible, they alleged.

They further reminded that the State Govt had signed two MoUs in 1980 and 1994 to expel illegal immigrants from the State.

However, instead of implementing the MoUs, the successive Govts have been encouraging settlements of migrants in the State.

The speakers were unanimous on demanding enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.