'Constitution Murder Day' Observed; CM Calls on Meitei Community to Help Facilitate Naga-Kuki Reconciliation

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manipur Pradesh, on Thursday observed 'Constitution Murder Day' at Thambal Sanglen, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal, commemorating the 51st anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975.

The programme was attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand as the chief guest. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, BJP MLAs, office-bearers of the BJP Manipur Pradesh unit, and party karyakartas also attended the event.

During the programme, individuals who were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and the Defence of India Rules (DIR) during the Emergency, along with democracy fighters, were honoured in recognition of their contribution to the restoration of democratic values.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said, "Those days of Congress misrule gradually led to the party's decline as the people of the country realised the reality, and the BJP slowly emerged.

"During that period, taking advantage of Article 352, there was a provision to declare an Emergency on the grounds of internal disturbances. Those who opposed the Congress were arrested and jailed. Even those who were initially with them eventually came out against it because such dictatorial politics cannot be accepted in the world's largest democracy.

"In the context of Manipur, we should remember how we were defeated in the Parliamentary election because the people were angry. That is a big lesson for us. People were angry over the conflict because it could not be controlled. Yes, it is not entirely the fault of the government or the party, but we have to learn from it. If the people are not happy with the party, it becomes very difficult for the government to govern.

"After the imposition of President's Rule, the main task has been to bring absolute peace to the state. All the valley districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, and Jiribam—have returned to normalcy. I visited Jiribam twice. Members of the Kuki and Rongmei communities have sat together and shared meals, which shows that peace and harmony exist among the communities.

"In the future, Jiribam will become a commercial and business city. A major scheme is coming to Jiribam under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I will not disclose the details at this point; I will reveal them after a few days.

"There can be no development in Manipur without peace. As in Jiribam, all communities, including the Hmar and Meitei, have returned to their respective homes. We can say that there are no Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) left in Jiribam. Therefore, in the current conflict between the Naga and Kuki communities, the Meitei community should act as the elder brother and play a major role in facilitating negotiations.