Imphal, December 26 2009: Manipur People's Party (MPP), one of the oldest regional political party of the country, celebrated its 42nd foundation day at Kakwa today.

The foundation day celebration presided by MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang was attended by party leaders, MLAs, functionaries of the Chanura Marup and district committees.

Earlier, Dr Nimaichand Luwang hoisted the party's flag at its Mapal Kangjeibung office.

A photo gallery adorned with photographs of the party's late and living leaders was also opened on the occasion.

Addressing a public meeting organised to mark the foundation day anniversary at Kakwa community hall, Dr Nimaichand Luwang observed that Manipuri society which was a sovereign kingdom for 2000 years underwent great political changes since it merged with the Indian Union.

These changes were disappointing to the people, he said.

Granting statehood to Nagaland while keeping the same in abeyance in respect of Manipur, socio-economic changes, lack of progress in the field of education and language and many other factors necessitated a political party having its roots in the soil of the land, Dr Nimaichand Luwang recalled.

Accordingly, the MPP was established on December 26, 1968.Just fours after establishment of MPP, Manipur was granted statehood 1972 and a medical college (now RIMS) was set up.

This was followed by the establishment of the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, Manipur Public Service Commission and electrification of rural areas.

The MPP also took active role in the struggle to include Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule, Dr Nimaichand claimed.

Recalling that MPP had formed Government on two occasions, Dr Nimaichand said that violent activities were not much intense or numerous during those periods.

Moreover, the level of corruption was not that high.

Comparing those periods with the present period, Dr Nimaichand asserted that it's time to introspect why violent activities, killings and level of corruption have attained such an unprecedented height.

He also appealed to the people to strengthen MPP ahead of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for 2012 so that a revolutionised Manipur can be achieved.

Addressing the gathering, MPP Legislature wing leader MLA O Joy asserted that people need a collective understanding to reverse the present political scenario marked by highly insecure environment, daily killings and worst corruption if people are determined to usher in a new Manipur.

Stating that the Anti-Defection Law was not enacted to allow legislators indulge in corruption, ex-MP Thounaojam Chaoba alleged that the incumbent neck-deep in corruption is unable to maintain rule of law.

The Government is instrumental in the killing of innocent civilians on daily basis in the name of development.

Because of this, a large number of students who are future pillars of the society are being denied education, Chaoba alleged.

People need to teach a befitting lesson to such irresponsible Government, he added.

The meeting was also addressed by many distinguished leaders and MLAs of the party.

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