Imphal: The proscribed National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) ordered a 24-hour state shutdown for September 21. It intends to protest the signing of the Manipur Merger Agreement. Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh signed those papers on this date in 1949.
The group claims the deal lacks legal standing. It argues the Maharaja acted under coercion without consent from the elected Legislative Assembly. The outfit cited the existence of the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, as proof of a functioning government prior to the handover. Administration shifted to the Dominion Government on October 15, 1949.
The NRFM referenced a 1993 National Convention held in Imphal to back its stance. That gathering questioned the validity of the merger. "The NRFM alleged that Maharaja Bodhchandra signed the agreement under coercion and without the approval of Manipur's elected Legislative Assembly." The group now urges residents to observe the strike to keep these historical grievances in the public eye.
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