The National Research Centre (NRC), Manipur, observed its 31st Foundation Day with a one-day talk on “Impact of Pre-Statehood Legislations in Contemporary Manipur” at the Ojha Sanajaoba Memorial Lecture Hall, NRC Building, opposite Manipur University, Thongju. The programme was attended by academics, legal scholars, human rights activists and other invitees. Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University, attended the programme as Chief Guest, while NRC president Thongam Ajit presided over the function.
Dr. Sapam Dilipkumar Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Manipur University, spoke on the constitutional and legislative position of Manipur. His presentation dealt with the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, Article 371C of the Constitution, and questions concerning the distribution of powers between the State and the Union. He also spoke about what he described as the derogation of the State’s federal powers, examining how constitutional and legislative arrangements have affected the exercise of authority in Manipur.
Dr. Nameirakpam Brajakanta Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Dhanamanjuri University, focused on the idea of “shared administration” instead of “separate administration.” He argued that any durable political arrangement in Manipur must accommodate the “other” within the broader idea of a composite Manipur.
Prof. Ladu Singh, former Vice-Chancellor of Bodoland University, also addressed the gathering and shared his observations on the broader theme of the programme. Human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam, Director of Human Rights Alert, spoke on the continuing impact of legal and administrative arrangements on contemporary Manipur. Referring to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), he discussed the question of sanction for prosecution and the legal hurdles involved in prosecuting security personnel accused of offences committed in areas where the Act operates.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Guest Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh summed up the discussions and also underlined the importance of technological advancement and modernisation for the future of the State. He stressed that Manipur’s progress would require not only attention to political and constitutional questions, but also sustained development in science, technology, education and innovation. The programme concluded with remarks from NRC president Thongam Ajit and a vote of thanks
