The Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) has called for greater unity among the people of Manipur while questioning claims that peace and normalcy have been restored in the State.
The committee raised the issue during a programme commemorating the September 21, 1948 Movement, organised by LINTOC under the aegis of PPCM at PPCM, Waheng Leikai.
Addressing the gathering, PPCM convenor Oinam Premjit said Manipur had continued to face a challenging situation since the conflict erupted in May 2023. He stressed the need for collective efforts and cooperation among different communities for the overall development of the State.
Oinam Premjit also expressed concern over developments that, according to him, were contributing to further divisions in Manipur. Referring to the demand for a separate administration by the Kuki community, he alleged that the demand was being pursued in a manner detrimental to the interests of the indigenous people.
Questioning the assertion that peace and normalcy had returned, he pointed out that thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continued to remain in relief camps after being displaced from their homes.
“Despite the claims of peace, we are like fish inside a pot,” he said.
He also questioned the feasibility of normal public participation in major State events, including the Sangai Festival, when the effects of the ongoing crisis continued to be felt by people in different parts of Manipur.
Premjit appealed to various organisations and sections of society to overcome their differences and work collectively towards common objectives. He also called upon the people to draw inspiration from the ideals and wisdom of Jananeta Hijam Irabot.
Meanwhile, the Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC), Manipur, observed September 21 as Manipur Kanba Numit at Irawat Memorial Hall, Chalou, Lamlai, commemorating Jananeta Hijam Irabot and the historic movement against the proposed formation of Purbanchal Pradesh.
As part of the observance, a motorcycle rally was organised from MDU, Imphal, to the venue.
ICC secretary M Joykumar Luwang said a proposal was made in 1948 to merge Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Cachar in Assam and Karbi Anglong into a single State to be named Purbanchal Pradesh.
He said Jananeta Irabot opposed the proposal, fearing that it could affect Manipur’s territorial integrity and historical identity, and mobilised the people against the plan.
According to Joykumar, Irabot convened a meeting at MDU to mobilise the people against the Purbanchal proposal. However, when a mass procession proceeded towards Imphal, security forces stopped the participants at Pungdongbam, leading to a confrontation.
He said police subsequently cracked down on the procession at Pungdongbam. Following the incident, the Government issued an arrest warrant against Irabot, prompting him to go underground to evade arrest.
