IMPHAL, May 30: The Coalition of Indigenes Rights Campaign (CIRCA) has suggested celebration of ‘Manipur Independence Day’ on August 14.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club this afternoon, CIRCA convenor Somorendro Thokchom said that it was on August 14 that British rulers left Manipur thereby restoring Manipur’s lost sovereignty. He suggested celebration of Manipur Independence Day on August 14 at schools and different localities by hoisting the particular flag hoisted by Maharaja Bodhchandra on August 14.
During independence day celebration held at the British Residency in the night of August 14, 1947 where the then king Bodhchandra and Political Agent GP Steward were also present, the British colonial rulers handed back freedom of Manipur. Independence Day of Manipur was celebrated for the next two days by unfurling Manipur’s National flag embossed with the symbol of Pakhangba at Kangla.
Somorendro appealed to all the people not to call bandh, blockade or general strike on August 14 as the Manipur Independence Day would be observed on the same day. A public meeting held at GM Hall on August 21 last year resolved that the Government of India should acknowledge the existing political conflict between India and Manipur, and restore Manipur’s pre-merger political status.
Between August 14, 1947 and October 15, 1949, Indo-Manipur relationship was restricted to only three areas namely defence, foreign affairs and communication. Observation of Manipur Independence Day on May 14 is a part of the CIRCA’s ongoing campaign to make the Government of India acknowledge and respect Manipur’s pre-merger political status, Somorendro added.
