Students' movement of 1980 fittingly recalled
Meekap Thokpa Numit recalls Go Back Foreigner movement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 17 2026: As in previous years, the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) organised 46th Realisation Day (Meekap Thokpa Numit) today to commemorate the students' movement of April 17, 1980 .

The observance began with a yakairol at Pishum Chingamacha, followed by the unfurling of the students' union flag.

Floral tributes were then offered at the memorial site of two students, Potshangban Premananda from Thangmeiband and Huidrom Lokendra from Ishok, who were killed in police firing during the movement.

After the tributes, the programme continued at MDU Hall at Yaiskul Police Lane in the presence of AMSU president Lukram Malangba, former presidents Yengkhom Priyokumar, S Budhi, KC Hemabati, Huidrom Badankumar, T Bheigyachandra, Head of Manipur University's Law Department Dr Y Premananda, Convenor of COCOMI YK Dhiren and core committee member of Committee on Relief and Rehabilitation Julia Shinglai as presidium members.

Addressing the function, Malangba said that AMSU has been observing Meekap Thokpa Numit to honour the martyrdom of the two students during the intense "Go Back Foreigner" movement on April 17, 1980 .

Stating that the influx of illegal migrants into Manipur has been increasing since the State's merger with India, which led to the massive movement in 1980, he added that Potshangban Premananda and Huidrom Lokendra were killed in police firing during the movement.

He said that AMSU observed the event for a month, this year, starting from March 17, designating it as "Realisation Month", during which poster campaigns, debates, essay competitions,, and other activities were held.

He added that the suggestions received during the month-long observance would be compiled and submitted to the Chief Minister and Home Minister in the form of a memorandum.

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