First sitting of the 1st Assembly held in 1948 widely observedPol future mulled
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IMPHAL, Oct 18 : Commemorating the first sitting of Manipur Legislative Assembly convened on October 18, 1948, the Indigenous People's Organisation Manipur (IPOM) observed National Democracy Day under the theme "For a Political Future" at City Convention Centre today.
Speaking as the chief guest at the function, retired Professor Naorem Joykumar said that inability to honour 'our own history is a major setback for us.'
He said that Manipur endorsed the principle of universal adult franchise before joining India and it speaks volumes of the political maturity and farsightedness of 'our forefathers.'
Saying that the situation in Manipur today is disappointing, he added that the State is now divided although the territory remains intact.
He further said that the Government of India has today classified the MLAs in Manipur as Kuki, Naga and Meetei legislators instead of seeing them as elected representatives of Manipur.
Saying that there were no Naga or Kuki in Manipur before the arrival of the British and every community were known by their names, Joykumar added that Naga and Kuki are just blanket terms used by the British.
Further stating that there should be a vibrant economic, cultural and political relations between the hill and valley district, he maintained that Manipur will have a bright political future if there is a common political platform and all legislators work together sincerely and transparently.
IPOM president Advocate Y Devadutta , meanwhile, said that only some MLAs and Ministers engaging in talks won't bring normalcy in Manipur and explained that ideas and suggestions of all stakeholders including civil society organisations and meira paibi lups must be taken to resolve the crisis.
Chairman of Taragi Cheisu Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, retired IAS officer RK Nimai, Meetei Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU) secretary administration Mutum Churamani, Professor Ch Priyoranjan of Manipur University (Economics Department), Head of Law Department (Manipur University) Dr Yumnam Premananda and Centre for Meetei Pangal Cultural Studies Manipur secretary Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh (Shamu) attended the function.
Speaking as the chief guest at the function, retired Professor Naorem Joykumar said that inability to honour 'our own history is a major setback for us.'
He said that Manipur endorsed the principle of universal adult franchise before joining India and it speaks volumes of the political maturity and farsightedness of 'our forefathers.'
Saying that the situation in Manipur today is disappointing, he added that the State is now divided although the territory remains intact.
He further said that the Government of India has today classified the MLAs in Manipur as Kuki, Naga and Meetei legislators instead of seeing them as elected representatives of Manipur.
Saying that there were no Naga or Kuki in Manipur before the arrival of the British and every community were known by their names, Joykumar added that Naga and Kuki are just blanket terms used by the British.
Further stating that there should be a vibrant economic, cultural and political relations between the hill and valley district, he maintained that Manipur will have a bright political future if there is a common political platform and all legislators work together sincerely and transparently.
IPOM president Advocate Y Devadutta , meanwhile, said that only some MLAs and Ministers engaging in talks won't bring normalcy in Manipur and explained that ideas and suggestions of all stakeholders including civil society organisations and meira paibi lups must be taken to resolve the crisis.
Chairman of Taragi Cheisu Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, retired IAS officer RK Nimai, Meetei Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU) secretary administration Mutum Churamani, Professor Ch Priyoranjan of Manipur University (Economics Department), Head of Law Department (Manipur University) Dr Yumnam Premananda and Centre for Meetei Pangal Cultural Studies Manipur secretary Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh (Shamu) attended the function.