AMYPCO to cancel discussion programme on 'Instrument of Accession'

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Aug 5: The All Manipur Youth Protection Committee (AMYPCO) has informed that they will not organise a discussion programme on 'Instrument of Accession' Manipur this year due to the COVID pandemic.
Speaking to media persons, president of AMYPCO Shyam Khuman said that as suggested by academicians, legal experts and CSOs' leaders in the earlier editions of the discussion programme, there is a political conflict between Manipur and India.
And to find an amicable solution for this continuous conflict, a peaceful people's mass democratic movement which is not based on anti-India or separatist ideologies is needed, he opined.
He continued that fully comprehending the history of Manipur is the key to yield positive results of the movement.
Manipur and India got their independence on two separate dates, ie 14th August and 15th August respectively as per the Indian Independence Act, 1947 of the British Parliament, he explained.
Saying that three days prior to gaining independence (11th August, 1947), Maharaj Bodhachandra signed "Instrument of Accession" and "Standstill Agreement" with the Union of India,  he added that as per the signed agreement, Manipur should enjoy 'internal sovereignty' while the Union is to take care of external affairs, defence and communication.
He also recalled that first Assembly session of Manipur was seated on October 18, 1948.
Unfortunately, Maharaj Bodhachandra was forced to sign a merger agreement on September 21, 1949 at Shillong, Shyam said and maintained that the 3rd session of Manipur Assembly called on September 28, 1949 stood against the agreement.
Even the National convention on merger issue held in 1993 at GM Hall declared Merger Agreement as 'null and void, ' he said, adding that signing of this controversial agreement sow seeds of political discord between the two sides.
Shyam further stated that Manipur was reduced to the status of a Union Territory headed by Chief Commissioner after joining the Union.
A foreigner past and permit system, which regulates entry of outsider into the State was also withdrawn in November 18, 1950, he said adding that security personnel have killed many Manipuris under the protection of AFSPA, 1958.
Saying that CSOs, political parties and communities in Manipur should launch a peaceful people's mass movement under a common aspiration to find a solution that is acceptable to both (Manipur and India), he opined that 'we cannot focus on development if issues continue to mushroom in the State.'