IT News
Imphal, Feb 25:
The Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) observed its 46th Foundation Day today, marking the occasion as “Independent Demand Day”. The event was held across Manipur and in various RPF and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) units, departments, and stations.
As part of the commemoration, flags, festoons, and stars were displayed at various locations under the directives of the RPF Central Bureau and its divisions. The observance aimed to strengthen the party’s vision and reaffirm its commitment to the cause.
On this occasion, RPF Acting President MM Ngouba addressed the people of Manipur through an official message, emphasizing the party’s unwavering dedication to the struggle for independence. He paid tribute to the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland, urging the people to stay united and resolute in their pursuit of freedom.
In a message released on the eve of the occasion, RPF Acting President MM Ngouba asserted that India had violated the fundamental trust that should exist between sovereign states when signing agreements.
Ngouba stated that India breached Manipur’s trust on September 21, 1949, by using military and paramilitary forces to pressure Manipur’s representatives in Shillong. He argued that this act constituted a direct violation of international law, particularly Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against another state’s territorial integrity or political independence. Citing Articles 51 and 52 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT, 1969), he maintained that any treaty obtained through coercion or force is considered null and void. He further pointed out that, unlike Junagadh, Pondicherry, and Sikkim, where referendums were conducted before integration into India, Manipur was annexed without any public mandate. He claimed that the absence of a referendum meant that Manipur remained under military occupation.
Discussing the Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947, Ngouba highlighted that the powers of the Maharaja had been transferred to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, which began governing the state independently. He asserted that the Merger Agreement signed by the Maharaja was invalid as it had not been ratified by the Legislative Assembly. Under international law, he argued, India’s forcible takeover of Manipur was impermissible, and any decision regarding Manipur’s fate should have been debated in the Assembly and decided through a referendum.
He further cited the British policy on princely states, referring to the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, which stated that paramountcy would end, and princely states would regain full autonomy except in matters of foreign affairs, defense, and communications. He asserted that the British had recognized these states as sovereign entities and that India could not force integration upon them.
Ngouba maintained that the agreement leading to Manipur’s annexation was unconstitutional and executed without the people’s consent, making it void. He called for the removal of the “Manipur Merger Agreement 1949” signboard, which he described as a symbol of deception and colonial oppression. He urged the King of Manipur to publicly declare the agreement invalid and called on the Manipur Legislative Assembly to deliberate on its legal status. While acknowledging that both entities were under the influence of the Indian government, he emphasized the need to take this step as a clear message to all stakeholders.
The RPF leader urged the people of Manipur to unite in the struggle and support the organization’s national liberation movement, reaffirming its commitment to the cause.
