IT News
Imphal, Aug 11:
The Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK), a coalition of insurgent groups in Manipur, has called for a total shutdown on August 15, India’s Independence Day. The shutdown, effective from 1:00 AM to 6:00 PM, is aimed at protesting what ASUK describes as the “continuing colonial occupation” of Manipur and the wider Northeast region by India.
August 15 marks India’s Independence Day, a day celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, including in Manipur. However, for ASUK, the day represents not freedom but the beginning of forced integration of Manipur and other regions in Northeast India into the Indian state. ASUK’s statement highlights their view that the end of British colonial rule in 1947 led to the emergence of a new form of Indian imperialism. The organization alleges that the process of integrating various states, including Manipur, into India involved coercion and military force, rather than mutual consent.
ASUK’s statement further criticizes what it calls the “imperial ambitions” of the current Indian government, led by the RSS/BJP, which they claim seeks to create a ‘Mega Empire’ extending beyond India’s borders to include neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and even Tibet.
The group argues that the policies enforced by India in regions like Manipur and the wider WESEA (Western Southeast Asia) are discriminatory and reflect a colonial mindset. They allege that while other parts of India, especially the Hindi heartland, have seen significant development, regions like Manipur have been neglected, with their identity and culture subjected to control and erasure.
As India prepares to celebrate its 77th Independence Day, the call for a shutdown by ASUK underscores the ongoing tensions in Manipur, where insurgent groups continue to challenge the legitimacy of Indian rule. Authorities have heightened security measures across the state to prevent any disruptions during the celebrations.
