CorCom shares thoughts on 72nd M Human Rights Day-I
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 09 2020: The Coordination Committee has greeted the people of WESEA on the occasion of the 72nd International Human Rights Day (December 10), and reminded the scondition and rights of the people in the region.

In a statement issued by its media coordinator, M Sakhen, CorCom said the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 10, 1948 had adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) .

Every year, December 10 is observed as 'Human Rights Day' since 1950 commemorating the adoption of the UDHR.

This year, UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) is .celebrating December 10 under the theme "Recover Better-Stand up for Human Rights" in sync with the COVID pandemic.

When celebrating Human Rights Day, "we must recall the condition of the people of WESEA States".

Even as the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) had brought a legal system to uphold human rights, people in WESEA States are still treated as "inferiors" .

People of WESEA States are still not able to enjoy even the minimum standards of human rights, alleged CorCom.

CorCom said the political, economic, social and cultural rights of the people of WESEA are under the "occupation of India" which its roots during the time when there was British rule in these States.

The British had interfered with the affairs of Manipur (Kangleipak), Tripura, Hyderabad, Travancore, Kashmir and other princely States.

After years of colonisation, on August 15, 1947, provinces and States under the British rule were declared independent.

The Indian Independence Act, 1947 had marked the end of British paramountcy.

The then British did not want to transfer the paramount power they had to India and as such the princely States and other small independent provinces were given the choice to join either one of the two dominions, Pakistan or India or remain independent.

Accordingly, under the special arrangement, Para 5 of Memorandum on States, Treaties and Paramountcy (Cabinet Mission's Memorandum, May 12, 1946), Manipur Constitution Act, 1947 was enacted.

In 1948, general elections were held for 53 seats, of the Manipur National Assembly and a Government of the people was formed.

A new Manipur (Kangleipak) was founded representing her people and all the blood brothers-Naga, Kuki, Meetei and Pangal, recalled CorCom.

However, India soon started "annexing" the princely States and provinces which wanted to remain independent.

Consequently, Manipur, Tripura, Hyderabad, Travancore, Junagadh, Kashmir and others were brought under India and deprived of their right to self determination as independent States, it alleged further.

Since 1949, Manipur has been under the "occupation" of India.

Manipur which had its own Constitution became a Part-C State.

On the pretext of giving full Statehood on January 21, 1972, Manipur was "annexed" as the 19th State of India.

As Manipur was included as the 19th State from being a Part-C State, people were swayed for a short time.

Till this day, Manipur remains an "India occupied territory" as per the IN's international law, alleged the outfit further.

Manipur was "annexed" as the "occupation lacks the consent of the people" .

The North-East Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971 would have no "validity" with the international law.

People of Manipur and WESEA are still not provided the right to political self-determination by India till today, alleged CorCom.

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