Manipur I-Day observed all over : I-Day held at Keibi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 14 2024: As in other parts of the State, the Coalition for Indigenous Rights Campaign (CIRCA) observed the 78th Manipur's Independence Day at Keibi Manaching in Imphal East today.

Hoisting the Manipur flag was the main highlight of the observance which was attended by representatives of different civil society organisations.

Addressing the gathering, CIRCA president Thokchom Somorendro said that Manipur didn't lose its internal sovereignty even after the erstwhile kingdom was conquered by the British following the Anglo Manipur War of 1891.He also said that three days before Manipur was granted independence an agreement was reached to entrust only Manipur's defence, communication and external affairs to the Government of India by signing the Instrument of Accession.

Manipur regained its independence from the British Empire on August 14, 1947, he added.

Saying that King Budhachandra, however, was forced to sign the Merger Agreement at Shillong on September 21, 1949, he added that the successive Governments of India never adhered to what was agreed while signing the Instrument of Accession.

Accusing the Government of India of undermining the right of Manipur for self determination, Somorendro added that there is also a constant effort to weaken Manipur as a whole by driving a wedge among the Manipuri people.

The Merger Agreement is the source of all the issues which the indigenous people of Manipur have been facing all these years, he said and added that CIRCA has been carrying out a movement to restore the political status of Manipur which was there before the signing of the Merger Agreement.

CIRCA vice president Longjam Ratan, UFO general secretary Yumlembam Meiraba, WASDEV vice president Takhellambam ongbi Sana, IKAL president Naorem ongbi Memma and Irabot Memorial Trust president Laishram Gunindro also attended the programme.

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