The conglomerate of armed rebel groups, the Coordination Committee (CorCom), has announced a general strike on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, and called for a boycott of the celebrations, stating that the Independence of Kangleipak is not included in India’s Independence Day.
In a statement issued by M. Shak-Hen, Media Coordinator of CorCom, the outfit said it has boycotted India’s Independence Day every year in protest against what it described as the forced annexation of Manipur (Kangleipak) on October 15, 1949, in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. CorCom announced a total shutdown from 1 am on August 15 until 6.30 pm the same day. Essential services, including medical services, electricity, water supply, fire services, the press and ritual-related activities, have been exempted from the shutdown.
In its statement, CorCom also sought to present Manipur (Kangleipak) as a historically distinct political entity, citing references to the antiquity of polo (Sagol Kangjei), the Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947, the 1948 elections conducted under universal adult suffrage and the first sitting of the Manipur National Assembly on October 18, 1948.
CorCom claimed that Manipur regained independence from British rule on August 14, 1947, and subsequently functioned as a constitutional monarchy before its merger with India in 1949.
It also invoked the international legal principle of uti possidetis juris and cited judgments of the International Court of Justice in support of its position on Manipur’s territorial integrity.
The outfit further alleged that India has pursued a proxy war in Manipur by supporting armed groups and using security arrangements such as the Suspension of Operations (SoO), and accused the government of suppressing the National Liberation Movement of Manipur (Kangleipak).
Referring to the Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol I and the UN Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, CorCom alleged that the conflict in Manipur constitutes an international armed conflict and accused India of violating international humanitarian law. It also cited the ICJ’s Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua judgment in support of its legal argument.
CorCom further alleged that differences among the Naga, Kuki and Meitei communities have been exploited to deepen divisions in the State and to portray the National Liberation Movement as an ethnic conflict.
The outfit appealed to the people of Manipur to collectively oppose what it described as India’s colonial policy and work towards restoring Manipur (Kangleipak) as an independent entity. It also urged people to boycott the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign being observed from August 9 to 17.
CorCom criticised political leaders in Manipur for supporting India’s Independence Day celebrations and alleged that, with elections approaching, political parties were attempting to influence voters by presenting Manipur’s history within the framework of India’s national narrative.
