IT News
Imphal, Aug 14,
Titular King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba has demanded pre-merger political status of Manipur, while speaking on the 72nd Manipur’s Independence Day celebration at Sanakonung, here in Imphal today.
The Independence Day celebration was organized by Coalition for Indigenes Rights Campaign (CIRCA) under the theme – ‘Why pre-merger status for Manipur’ with the motto – “Celebrate The Spirit Of Freedom”
Addressing the large gathering, Titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba said that Kangleipak (now known as Manipur) was once a sovereign state. But after it was annexed to Indian Union post-independence the freedom of the people and governance was systematically subjugated.
The unending socio-political issue which has marred the state of Manipur is the result of annexation of Manipur into the dominion of Indian Union, the Tilular King observed.
While, reiterating that Manipur got independence on 14th of August 1947- A day before Indian, Sanajaoba said that the then colonial British-India government left Manipur as an “excluded state” with the rights of “self-determination” and left subject of joining India or remain as sovereign state to the people of this land.
Further, Leishamba said, due to selfish ploy of some leaders, Manipur was merged into Indian Union in 1947. Following which, a separatist movement existed since 1952.
He also said that the celebration of Manipur Independence Day is not anti-national nor against the nation, but it is against the ill-treatment of Indian government towards the land and people of Manipur; it is to earn self- respect and dignity as paid by British to then independent Manipur.
The titular king also appealed the government of Manipur to review the Instrument of Accession-1947 and grant a special status for Manipur to endow larger authority and rights for self-empowerment of the state governance as well as the people of Manipur. Implementation of the Instrument of Accession- 1947 is the only option to restore normalcy and to get rid from all the menaces, which is being affecting the state.
As part of the celebration, the titular king hoisted a red flag decorated with the image of Pakhangba (Meitei deity) in gold at the centre in the Sana Konung which was also hosted in the history by the Late King of Manipur Meidingu Bodhchandra Singh in August 14, 1947.
The gathering also demanded to amend the Constitution of Indian to provide special constitutional status of Manipur to safeguard the interest of the people of Manipur.
