Manipur,IMPHAL, August 27: A rally was today carried out in Imphal in commemoration of 27th August 1965 students’ agitation in which 4 martyrs laid down their lives against the artificial scarcity of rice in Manipur.
All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) had organized the 47th Hunger Marcher’s Day.
Students and dignitaries of the day gathered at Pishum Chinga Macha in the morning to pay floral tribute to the departed souls of martyrs of 27th August 1965 to their Memorial stone. After the flag hoisting by the President AMSU Th Suresh took a mass rally till DM College campus ground.
Many slogans like “Chinjakta Meekha Thadaba, Meepal Tangdaba Lamdam Ama Oihansi”, “What Something was lost Yesterday, That Everything is Lost Today”, “Education da Politics Touganu, Awonba Education Puraknaba Thousil Paikhaklu”, “ Repeal AFSPA 1958” etc were carried as banners in the mass rally.
After the mass rally, the students and invitees gathered at DM College ground. Associate Professor of English of Manipur University & former President AMSU Dr. Irom Gambhir was the chief guest. President AMSU Thokchom Suresh presided over the function while former president AMSU Lairenjam Gojendro was the guest of honour.
Nupi Samaj President Th Ramani Devi who was an eyewitness to the scarcity of food grain in1965 said that now Manipur is facing an acute conflict among ourselves. Social activist and special invitee RK Ranendrajit said that Manipur even after British colonialism cannot still stand of its own.
Guest of Honour L Gojendro said that every student must have quality to respond to the society. He added that the student leaders should not involve in contract works. He said though NE students and professionals to slowly returning to mainland India the fear still exist. He blame that it is India’s ego that led to Partition and it could happen to the NE states of India also.
Chief guest Dr Irom Gambir said that life keep on changing but this change does not change the motive of AMSU and it will sure meet their goal. He added that the conflict situation in Manipur is backlash to the education system in Manipur and in India. He added that our culture is related to our education system. He lamented the Government that statistical data for student studying outside are not maintained for their welfare.
President AMSU Th Suresh said that 50 years back our own food produce were sold by merchants outside Manipur and created scarcity and now our market is full with products from outside states. He said that the GoM should have a proper land policy and he decried the rampant practice of turning agricultural land into homestead land.
