IMPHAL, April 17: The All Manipur Students’ Union today observed the 34th Realisation Day (Meekap Thokpa) commemorating the uprising of students and the public in the year 1980 against the influx of outsiders into the state at the memorial site atop the Pishum Chingamacha.
Two students, Potshangbam Premananda and Huidrom Lokendra who were amongst the students agitating against the large scale influx of outsiders into the state fell to the bullets of security forces on April 17, 1980.
Family members of the two students led students of schools and other supporters in paying floral tribute at the memorial site.
In connection with the observance of the day a public meeting was held at Ema Khunthokhanbi Sanglen, DM College campus.
Addressing the meeting, former president, AMSU (1979- 1981), M Khelen said that the youth must work hard to blend into the globalization taking place around them for a better and develop society.
Elaborating on the need for a united front, he said the general public should stay united to face the various issues confronting the state.
Unless the people unite, there will be no success, he continued.
AMSU president, Thiyam Naresh said that the state has its own identity, tradition, culture and represent the state in various field.
Manipur has its own unique identity, tradition and culture; nevertheless, we continue to face several problems at present.
He said the moot question today is whether the present generation has the strength and courage to face the problems head-on.
He said, the responsibility taken by the students of the present generation is inadequate to solve the problems of the state.
Large scale influx of non-locals into the state continues unabated even as the state government continues to turn a blind eye, he lamented.
The state Members of Parliament have also continued to neglect the issue, he observed and added that it has only added to the already large population of non-locals both in the hills and the valley.
Unless, such influx of non-locals remains unchecked, there is a high possibility that the indigenous population of the state will be wiped out, he continued.
Our Jiribam Correspondent adds: As organised every year, the Jiribam district committee of the AMSU observed the 34th Realisation Day at the auditorium of the Jiribam Government Higher Secondary School, Jiribam.
The program started with a rally at 10am taken out by students and representatives of various Civil Society Organisations followed by a public meeting at the school’s auditorium.
Dr N Bijaya Devi, principal, Jiri College, Jiribam; Y Sanjiv Singh, president, AMSU District Committee, Jiribam; L Romen Kumar Singh, advocate, ex-president, AMSU District Committee, Jiribam; I Jamesbond Mangang, advisor, AMSU headquarter Imphal; H Mema Devi, president, JIMPAL, Jiribam; S Sushila Devi, president AJMP, Jiribam; N Nevarani Devi, president WACAK, Jiribam and Th Jini Devi, president, JIMWAK Jiribam attended the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Various resource persons had also delivered talks in connection with observance of Realisation Day.