Imphal, Jan 23 (NNN): Various underground organisations have decided to boycott or call a bandh on January 26, the Republic Day, in Manipur.
Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK) announced on Friday to call a 10-hour shutdown in Manipur on Republic Day, while Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of various underground organisations, announced a boycott. Socialist Revolution Party Kangleipak (SOREPA) has also announced a 12-hour bandh on January 26 in Manipur.
ASUK stated in a press release that a total shutdown across the state will be enforced on January 26 from 6 am to 4 pm. However, ASUK said it will exempt essential services and religious activities from the purview of the shutdown.
ASUK mentioned the historical events of the “princely state” (Manipur), particularly the political status before the Merger Agreement, the establishment of the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, on July 26, and the establishment of the “democratic government” of Manipur (Kangleipak) on October 18, 1948.
ASUK then criticised the colonial-style administration of India. It then emphasised the need for freedom of the Manipuris (kangleicha). ASUK then accused India that the latter has been driving a wedge between various communities in Manipur.
Meanwhile, CorCOM said that there is no reason to celebrate India’s Republic Day in Manipur. According to CorCom, the Indian Republic was founded by a dominant cultural class comprising Brahmins and Banias, perpetuating cultural hegemony and establishing itself as a Hindu nation. The supremacy of Hinduism led the Indian Republic to be seen as a Hindu nation, said CorCom. It also said the process of forming the Indian Republic violated the rights of many states. India forcibly annexed Manipur.
The Indian nationalist movement was nothing but expansionism right from the very beginning, CorCom also said. CorCom added that the 76th Republic Day of India marks 76 years of Indian colonialism, oppression and subjugation in Manipur.
In the same vein, Socialist Revolution Party Kangleipak (SOREPA) has called a 12-hour shutdown across the state on Republic Day. SOREPA alleged that India dominated Manipur after gaining freedom from colonial rule. SOREPA then appealed to the people to support the shutdown on January 26
