The National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) has announced October 15 as “National Black Day”, describing the date as a turning point that marked the loss of Manipur’s political independence following its merger with India in 1949.
In a press statement, NRFM Information and Publicity Secretary Sanajoaba Meitei said the day should be observed to remember what the organisation described as the forcible annexation of Manipur and the subsequent erosion of its political status, historical identity and sovereignty.
The organisation urged intellectuals, civil society organisations, student bodies and educational institutions to initiate discussions on the historical and political circumstances surrounding Manipur’s merger with India, arguing that the events of 1949 continue to influence the state’s political discourse.
Referring to the National Convention on the Manipur Merger Issue held at GM Hall, Imphal, on October 28 and 29, 1993, the NRFM said the convention had examined the circumstances surrounding the Merger Agreement signed on September 21, 1949, and rejected its validity.
The organisation alleged that the agreement was signed under coercive circumstances in Shillong and that Manipur’s existing political institutions were subsequently dismantled. The transfer of administration to the Dominion of India took effect on October 15, 1949.
Invoking international law, the NRFM cited Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits member states from threatening or using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. It alleged that India’s actions against Manipur violated the provision. The claim represents the organisation’s legal and political position and does not constitute an established legal determination.
The statement also characterised the ongoing conflict in Manipur as an international armed conflict and alleged that armed groups had been used as proxies since May 3, 2023, to suppress what it described as the state’s national liberation movement.
Calling for wider public engagement with Manipur’s history, the NRFM urged civil society organisations, student bodies, schools, colleges and universities to organise informed discussions on the merger and its political implications.
The organisation appealed to the people of Manipur to observe October 15 as National Black Day with active public participation, adding that it would join other groups observing the occasion.
