Imphal: The Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) demanded unity this week. They reject claims that peace has returned to Manipur. The group gathered at Waheng Leikai to mark the September 21, 1948 movement. PPCM convenor Oinam Premjit addressed the crowd. He noted that conflict has gripped the state since May 2023.
Premjit highlighted the plight of thousands still living in relief camps. He argued that the state remains fractured. He specifically criticized the Kuki community for seeking a separate administration, claiming it harms indigenous interests. Premjit warned that public events like the Sangai Festival ignore the reality of the crisis. He told the crowd, "Despite the claims of peace, we are like fish inside a pot."
Separately, the Irawat Celebration Committee held Manipur Kanba Numit at the Irawat Memorial Hall in Chalou. Supporters joined a motorcycle rally from MDU in Imphal to the venue. ICC secretary M. Joykumar Luwang recounted the 1948 fight against the Purbanchal Pradesh plan. This proposal aimed to merge Manipur with Tripura, Mizoram, Cachar, and Karbi Anglong. Jananeta Hijam Irabot feared for Manipur's identity and territorial integrity.
Irabot organized a mass protest against the merger. Police stopped the marchers at Pungdongbam. A confrontation followed that violent crackdown. Officials issued an arrest warrant for Irabot soon after. He went underground to escape capture. Today, local leaders urge citizens to adopt his wisdom and bridge deep social divides.
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