The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) observed the 61st Foundation Day at Imphal today, commemorating the students who sacrificed their lives during the people’s movement against the artificial scarcity of rice in 1965.
August 27, 1965, is remembered as a significant day in the history of Manipur, when students took to the streets protesting against the artificial famine-like situation allegedly created through the collusion of traders and the then government.
‘No NRC, No Census’ – Malangba
The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has reiterated its opposition to the ongoing Census exercise, with its president Lukram Malangba asserting that the student body’s position remains “No NRC, No Census.”
Speaking at the AMSU’s 61st Foundation Day observance here today, Malangba recalled the student protest of August 27, 1965, against the artificial scarcity of food, during which security forces opened fire, killing four protesters on the spot. He said the incident led to the formation of the AMSU on August 28, 1965.
Malangba said the union had since worked for the protection of Manipur and the welfare of students.
On the Census, he said the AMSU opposed the exercise in the absence of an updated National Register of Citizens (NRC), arguing that conducting the Census without first updating the NRC could facilitate illegal immigrants in obtaining citizenship.
He said normalcy had yet to return to Manipur since the conflict began on May 3, 2023.
The AMSU president also condemned Thursday’s ambush on the Imphal-Tamenglong Road, in which four civilians were killed. He urged the authorities to ensure civilian safety, end the violence and restore lasting peace in the State.
The students’ protest was met with a forceful response inside the compound of the then Chief Commissioner of Manipur. Nabakumar, Nilamani and Pramodini were killed on the spot, while Laishram Chaobhal Singh of Lamphel High School later succumbed to his injuries on September 26.
Laishram Mangi of Imphal College, Kumar and Budhi of DM College sustained bullet injuries, while N Ibohal Singh was seriously injured in a lathi-charge. The incident, in which students demanding their right to food were met with force, eventually led to the formation of AMSU.
“We cannot run from the crisis in Manipur”: Bruce Pebam
All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) president Bruce Pebam today said students could not remain detached from the prevailing situation in Manipur, as he called for stronger efforts to protect the Right to Life and Right to Education.
Speaking at the AMSU’s 61st Foundation Day observance here, Bruce said the prolonged conflict had severely disrupted education, leaving students to face serious challenges to their studies and future.
He said the AMSU, since its formation on August 28, 1965, had remained committed to safeguarding the rights, welfare and interests of students, while giving particular attention to the education sector.
Bruce said students had continued to shoulder responsibilities in addressing issues confronting society and reiterated the union’s commitment to protecting the Right to Life and Right to Education.
Referring to the recent ambush in which four Naga civilians were killed, he termed the incident unfortunate and condemnable. He alleged that Kuki-Narco terrorists were behind the attack and expressed concern over the continuing violence.
Bruce urged the State Government to strengthen measures to protect civilians and restore peace, saying that rebuilding a united and peaceful Manipur would require collective efforts, sincerity and mutual understanding among communities.
Following the August 27 incident, a meeting of students was held on August 28, 1965, at the residence of Leihaothabam Saratchandra Sharma at Keishampat Laisom Leirak, under the chairmanship of Nameirakpam Madhusadan Singh. The meeting resulted in the formation of All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) on 28 August.
