The Manipur People’s Party (MPP) today observed Manipur’s Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at its office premises, where the party’s new flag was unfurled.
In a statement issued by the party’s General Secretary (Media), the observance was described as a reminder that Manipur was once an independent nation before its merger with the Indian Union. The party asserted that the occasion serves to reflect on the state’s historical status and the need to safeguard its autonomy.
The MPP expressed concern over recent developments that, it claimed, have eroded constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(e) and Article 19(1)(d) of the Indian Constitution, which ensure the right to reside and settle anywhere in India and the right to move freely. The party alleged that restrictions on the movement of Manipur residents and their access to land in certain areas contradict these provisions.
Citing the past two years, the MPP accused the central government, particularly under the BJP-led administration, of aggravating the situation along National Highways and other key routes, thereby limiting the movement of Indian citizens, including those from Manipur.