Public meeting re-affirms demand of Pre-merger status to Manipur
As a part of the month long observance, Coalition for Indigenous Right Campaign, CIRCA Manipur today organized a meeting at Palace gate Pureiromba Ima Keithel in Imphal East and demanded restoration of the pre-merger status of Manipur.
Speaking to the media persons at the sideline meeting, Heishnam Oken, in-charge of the organization said that they have started organizing the public meeting since September 21, 2015 at Sana Konung with the titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba and they are planning to hold many such meeting at different parts of the state. The observance will continue till October 18, he added.
Similar meeting were also organized today at Wangkhei Cosmo Ground, Seijang, Elangkhangpokpi and Pureiromba Ima Keithel.
He said that in August 11, 1949 a treaty was sign between Manipur and government of India where Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communication will be handle by the India Government whereas the rest administration of Manipur will be govern by the people of Manipur.
For the first time in the history of North-Asia, Manipur State Constituency Act 1947 was form and in October 1948 one representative was elected by conducting election and National Assembly (Parliament) was started which shows that Manipur is ruled by its own people. But in September 21, 1949 Maharaja Bodhachandra was called at Shillong and force to signed the controversial merger agreement under duress. Later in October 15, 1949 Manipur was officially merged to the Indian Union and the Manipur constitution and the Manipur assembly was abolished and was kept under a Chief Commissioner sent by the Government of India.
Heishnam Oken said that people will continue various form of agitation to revoke the illegal merger agreement.
“The only means to bring peace and unity in the state is to restore pre-merger status also known as home rule, this pre-merger agreement was implemented in the state by the British after Manipur became independent in 1947 until the controversial Merger Agreement was signed by Maharaja Bodhchandra in September 21, 1949”, he added.
