Aug 15 general strike called
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11 2011: Categorically stating that August 15 was the day which saw the birth of India that soon occupied Manipur even though the same day is Independence Day for Indians, the Coordination Committee (CC) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPK stated that it is the darkest day for Manipuri people as it heralded the loss of their sovereignty to the newly independent and allegeld colonial India.

The coordination committee has also called a general strike with effect from August 14 midnight till 5.30 pm of August 15 .

A press release issued by the Coordination Committee reminded that the newly independent India forced Bodhachandra, king of the then independent Manipur to sign the Merger Agreement under duress at Shillong.

Since then, Manipuri people have been reeling under the alien rule of New Delhi.

Though August 15 is the Independence Day of India, it has no relevance in Manipur.

Stating that Manipur is still a colonial state of India, the seven militant outfits categorically asserted that there is no reason for the Manipuri people to join India's Independence Day celebrations.

Joining India's Independence Day celebrations is tantamount to selling off the nation's right to self determination.

It would also amount to demeaning the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the past for the sake of Manipur's sovereignty.

Participating in India's Independence Day celebrations goes against the very spirit of the liberation movement, it stated.

Appealing to all not to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in any manner or capacity, the Coordination Committee informed that medical, electricity, water supply, fire services, press and religious functions would be excluded from the purview of the general strike.

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