All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) called for unity among different indigenous groups settling in Manipur to safeguard themselves from the influx of outsiders, during the observance of 42nd ‘Meekap Thokpa Numit’ (Realisation Day) in Imphal on Sunday.
Hoisting of the AMSU flag at the Pishum Chingamacha hillock, Imphal West marked the opening ceremony of the Realisation Day, followed by paying of homage to the two student martyrs (Potshangbam Premananda and Huidrom Lokendro) who sacrificed their lives during the ‘Go Back Foreigner’ movement of April 17, 1980.
A mass procession was also taken out by the participants from the hillock to the campus of Manipur College in Imphal West where a public gathering was held.
The present Inner Line Permit (ILP) system imposed in Manipur is just a permit that exists in name only and it does not function in a full-fledged manner, said president of AMSU Haobijam Chalamba while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the function.
Considering the present scenario of Manipur, it is high time for all to act together to protect the indigenous population of Manipur and save the future of the indigenous people from becoming a minority in their own motherland, he said.
Raising serious concerns over the rapid taking over of the state by non-locals in every sector, the president said that following the footsteps of the leaders who fought in the ‘Go Back Foreigner’ movement is the duty of every indigenous people.
“Safeguarding the indigenous communities cannot be made possible only by JCILPS, AMSU or the CSOs. It is the contribution of each and every person which will save the indigenous population of Manipur,” he asserted.
Speculating that the expansion of railways into Manipur will cause a sudden increase in the numbers of outsiders arriving in the state, he said that it is also the need of the hour to take up specific measures to prevent the large influx of outsiders in the state before it happens.
The function was attended by former AMSU president Birendra Chingakham as chief guest and co-convenor of JCILPS Warepam Second as guests of honour.
