First sitting of the 1st Assembly held in 1948 widely observed ‘People’s Govt’

IMPHAL, Oct 18: Several CSOs today commemorated the first sitting of the first elected Government of independent Manipur established after the end of  British colonial rule.
UPF, NIPCO and MAPI Council commemorated the first day of the elected Government formed under the Manipur Constitution Act at MDU Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane.
UPF president N Rupachandra, NIPCO president Oinam Premjit, MAPI Council president YK Dhiren, Advocate L Jadumani and MU Law Department Head Dr Y Premananda attended the function as presidium members.
Giving a key-note address, MAPI Council general secretary Moirangthem Neta asserted that commemorating the historical event would definitely give a new impetus in fighting the current challenges.
Such events will keep alive the National pride and  spirit, he said.
“All historical events and episodes are important but we ought to commemorate those events which will inspire and give strength to us”, Neta said.
Establishment of an elected Government and enforcement of a Constitution of its own after Manipur got independence from British colonialism was indeed a landmark event in the history of Manipur, he remarked.
The brief period of two years after Manipur regained its independence in 1947  was a very difficult phase for the Manipuri people to determine their future. At that time, different ideas and thoughts like liberal democracy, democratic monarchy, socialism and communism were taking roots on the soil of Manipur, he continued.
The Manipur Constitution drafted 76 years back might have flaws and drawbacks but it did lay a foundation for self-rule and a new era in Manipur, Neta asserted.
“We need to ponder how we could have resolved the present violent crisis had we existed as a Nation under our own Constitution”, he continued.
“We are commemorating the historic day to recall our own Constitution and reaffirm our responsibilities”, Neta said.
Advocate L Jadumani and Dr Yumnam Premananda spoke at the function as resource persons.