IT News
Imphal, Sept 26:
Socio-political activist Sapam Kangleipal asserted that 80% of the ongoing crisis threatening Manipur’s integrity might have been averted if Hijam Irabot had not died in 1951, allowing his struggle to continue. Kangleipal made these remarks during the observance of the 73rd death anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, organized by Meitei Cheingak, Meitrabak, at the Manipur Press Club.
The event was attended by key figures including Nongthombam Sanahal Singh, President of Meitei Cheingak, Meitrabak; Sumati Sougrakpam, General Secretary of the All Manipur Students Guardian Organisation; Soraijam Yaima Meetei, President of the Socialist Student’s Union of Manipur; and Md. Nasir Khan, President of the Kangleipak Minority Welfare Organisation.
During his speech, Kangleipal reflected on Hijam Irabot’s underground movement, which began on September 21, 1948, when he left for Burma. He noted that the purpose of Irabot’s departure and his plans have remained a mystery to the people of Manipur. Kangleipal called on today’s generation to engage in discussions on what Manipur’s fate could have been had Irabot not died in 1951, urging people to continue Irabot’s struggle by understanding and following his vision.
In connection with the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Kangleipal expressed concern over reports of the possible re-imposition of the Disturbed Area status in the valley districts to enforce the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958. He emphasized that the Meitei people are constantly facing intimidation, citing fears of President’s Rule, the reimposition of AFSPA, and the reported arrival of 900 armed Kuki militants. He questioned why AFSPA would be imposed in the valley when the Kuki militants are allegedly invading the area.
Kangleipal further raised suspicions of a conspiracy involving a specific Central force and Kuki militants to justify the re-imposition of AFSPA in the valley. He argued that Manipur had experienced peace for the past five to six years, and if the crisis is being exacerbated by external forces, it may be due to concerns over promotions within these forces. Without naming the force, he suggested that this crisis might have been provoked to keep the valley unstable.
The activist also reiterated his belief that revoking the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants would restore peace in the state. He called on the government to declare any immigrants entering Manipur after 1951 as illegal migrants.
Kangleipal also questioned the controversy surrounding the reported influx of 900 highly trained Kuki militants, citing conflicting statements from the state’s Security Advisor. He pointed out that after the initial reports were confirmed, Kuki civil society organizations began protests, leading to confusion and a subsequent denial by the Security Advisor, who stated that the report was still unverified. Kangleipal dismissed the situation as a “drama” aimed at misleading the public.
