Meitei insurgent group calls for Manipur bandh on October 15

Imphal: The Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK), a Meitei extremist organization, has issued a call for a statewide Black Day (Amamba Numit) and complete shutdown in Manipur on October 15.

In a statement released by ASUK publicity committee convenor S Mangal, the outfit expressed its deep resentment over the forcible merger of the independent Kingdom of Manipur with the Indian Union in 1949.

The organization emphasized that the historic event marked a significant turning point in Manipur's history, stripping the state of its sovereignty and autonomy.

ASUK highlighted that after gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947, Manipur was a fully sovereign nation. It was only through coercion and force that the Indian government annexed the state on October 15, 1949, reducing it to a Part-C State within the Indian Union.

The outfit further pointed out that while India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950, establishing itself as a republic, Manipur's own constitutional act came into force much earlier, on July 26, 1947. This demonstrates that Manipur had its own independent legal framework and governance structure even before India's constitution was adopted.

Moreover, ASUK underscored that Manipur held democratic elections in 1948, leading to the formation of a representative government.

This marked a significant milestone as Manipur became one of the earliest countries in Southeast Asia to establish a democratically elected government. All voters and candidates participating in the 1948 elections were bonafide citizens of Manipur, further solidifying its status as an independent nation.

Given these historical facts, ASUK urged the people of Manipur to observe October 15 as a Black Day, a somber reminder of the state's loss of independence.

The outfit emphasized that the shutdown is a call for solidarity and to express collective grief over the forced annexation.

However, ASUK clarified that essential services such as fire stations, water departments, media houses, medical facilities, and religious and ritual ceremonies will be exempted from the shutdown.