Collective stand call rung out

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 18: "One must shed I and adopt We to become wise. As long as people give emphasis to themselves and use I, there will not be unity and peace. We as people of the State should support each other, encourage one another and strengthen the bond of love between all communities," said Titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba today.
He was speaking as chief guest at the 'Manipur National Day' observance organised by Coalition for Indigenous Rights Campaign  (CIRCA) at Uttra Shanglen, Konung.
The 'Manipur National Day' is celebrated every year by CIRCA commemorating the first sitting of the Manipur Assembly Session at State Durbar Hall on October 18, 1948.
Commenting on the 'Anglo-Kuki War' celebration, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that according to elders, it was a rebellion against the then Maharaj Churachand devised by Chingakham Sanajaoba with some Khongjai (now Kuki) chiefs. The rebellion was quickly suppressed by the British, he said.
Manipur is a small land with a meagre population compared to other States and countries. If everybody starts claiming the land and promote only self, there wont be any future left for generations to come. Enmity among ourselves will only bring bloodshed and dark future, the Titular King said.
People of all communities should focus on collective aspirations and dreams to foster love, peace and unity. One community should not project itself over others. All must really work toward a common goal instead of following separate dreams and demands that are sure to break the integrity of the State, Leishemba said.
Speaking on the occasion, CIRCA president Thokchom Somorendra said that Manipur fell under British on April 27, 1891 and got independence on August 14, 1947.
After independence, Manipur Constitution Act 1947 was enacted in January 1948 and first election was held on June 11 and 27. The first sitting of the 53 member Manipur Legislative Assembly was held on October 18, 1948 at Durbar Hall and later on September 21, 1949, Manipur was 'controversially' merged into the Union of India, he said.