CIRCA observes 'Manipur National Day'

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 18 : In commemoration of the first session of the elected State Assembly of Manipur held at Manipur State Durbar Hall on October 18, 1948, the Coalition for Indigenous Right Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur today observed "Manipur National Day" in a function held at the head office of AIMS.
The commemorative function of the historic day was attended by CIRCA president Somorendro Thokchom, LOUSAL president Mutum Chourmani, WASDEV president RK Tharaksana and IKAL's general secretary Luwang Leima as presidium members, said CIRCA in a statement.
The inaugural session of the State Assembly of one of the first democratic forms of Government in South East Asia after the passage of Manipur State Constitution Act 1947 was attended by 53 representatives elected on the basis of universal adult franchise, the function recalled.
The objective of the observance was to discuss the administrative policy, judicial system, education system, to bring about development, to uphold the right to livelihood and to bring about changes in economic policy, it said.
The aforementioned important aspects of Manipur which was once an independent Nation, have been tossed following the contentious merger of Manipur with India.
Since then, Manipur which was once a peaceful National has been rife with dissension among communities owing to divide and rule policy. Basic human rights have been violated and many have succumbed due to suppressive laws and Acts imposed by the India Government. This has led to many social and political issues including armed freedom and revolutionary movements, conflicts among communities, identity crisis, human right movements etc, CIRCA alleged.
CIRCA also observed that the said problems can only be solved when India fulfils the conditions listed in the instrument of accession signed on August 11, 1947 and as such it has been demanding for restoration of pre-merger status of Manipur, the body said.
All should be proud of being a citizen of this erstwhile independent Nation and the coming generations should be aware of the important day in the history of Manipur, it continued.