IT News
Imphal, Sept 21:
The Coalition for Indigenous Rights Campaign Manipur (CIRCA) observed the day marking the signing of the controversial Merger Agreement on 21st September 1949 as National Repentance Day. The event was held at the Millennium Institute of Sciences, Kwakeithel, and was attended by several prominent figures, including CIRCA President Somorendro Thokchom, Vice President Longjam Ratan, and Hericoun President Yumkhaibam Surjit.
During the event, CIRCA Vice President Longjam Ratan addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of remembering Manipur’s history, particularly the struggles that followed the state’s forced integration into India. He remarked that understanding this historical context is essential for moving forward. He further highlighted that Manipur was once a self-sustained kingdom, rich in traditions, laws, and governance, but the 1949 merger with India caused a shift in its political trajectory, leaving the state grappling with identity and autonomy issues.
CIRCA President Somorendro Thokchom spoke about the need to reflect on the state’s political status and the challenges that have arisen due to the forced merger. He stressed the loss of sovereignty and how Manipur’s unique cultural identity has faced a crisis since the merger. Thokchom called for the younger generation to embrace this history and work towards reclaiming Manipur’s rightful political status.
The speakers also shed light on the Instrument of Accession signed on August 11, 1947, between Manipur and India, before the Merger Agreement of 1949. They pointed out that while Manipur had retained some internal autonomy under this agreement, the later merger undermined the state’s sovereignty and violated the original terms.
