IPSA makes stand clear on its silver jubilee

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 14 : The silver jubilee of International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) was celebrated today with people from both hill and valley districts attending at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen at Thangmeiband.
Speaking at the event, IPSA president Tourangbam Birjit accused the Government of India of suppressing the people of North East India continuously.
He also claimed that the Centre's attempt to impose Hindi is to abolish the languages of indigenous people, especially in North East India.
Recalling that India celebrated its 75th year of independence recently and as part of it Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was held, Birjit expressed disappointment at the people of Manipur being urged to hoist Indian flags at their respective houses on Patriots' Day (August 13) and the independence day of Manipur (August 14).
He urged the Government to respect the history of Manipur and refrain from mixing the important occasions of Manipur with others.  
Birjit further stated that the decision of the Government of Manipur to set 1961 as the base year to determine the State's native residents for implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) System was rather unfortunate and it seems like the Government doesn't have any concern for 'our future.'
The Government also didn't consult with JCILPS and the people before adopting the  base year for ILPS implementation, he said and claimed that the incumbent Government seems to have no respect for the people who have been protesting to save the indigenous people.
While delivering the keynote address, IPSA general secretary W Guneswar said that IPSA, since its establishment, has been taking up important issues of the State along with the people so as to keep the territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur intact.
He maintained that eight organisations in Manipur have formed an apex body called "Justice Committee on Anglo Manipuri War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters Kangleipak" to trace the root of 'our ancestors', apart from Paona Brajabashi, Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit, who laid down their lives in the Anglo Manipuri War
Guneswar continued that the volunteers of IPSA went to different parts of Assam viz Lakhipur Cachar, Jaribon Lala Hailakandi, Awapali Kamangkha as part of its "Kanglei Puwari Khongul Leeba" recently and interacted with the Manipuris there. IPSA is an organisation which advocates peace and unity and treats every individual equally, he added.
Saying that IPSA organised a seminar to discuss the political  flag used by the 76 kings of Kangleipak on Jan 10, 2010 at State Guest House and at GM Hall on August 21, 2010, he added that IPSA published a book about the Kangleipak flag after a threadbare discussion on August 14, 2017 at Manipur University.
JNIMS Director Dr Laishram Deven; UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam; Mao Union Imphal president Dr Puni Losii, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organization vice president RV Son Zimik; Aimol Tribe Union president RT Akhel Aimol and IPSA chief advisor H Ibotombi Khuman attended the programme as presidium members.