Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 09 2010:
The banned Revolutionary People Front (RPF), a resistance group of Manipur who lighting 'Indian occupation of the state from 15 October 1949' today announced a general strike on August 15, the Independence Day of India.
The general strike, will keep essential services like fire service, medical services and religious related functions outside its purview and would be effective from 1 am to 6.30 pm of August 15.It is being called as a part to boycott the 63th Independence Day of the country, a statement of the outfit signed by its publicity secretary T Leishemba said.
Manipur was merged into the Indian union.
There is no reason for celebrating Independence Day in the state.
People of the state can take part in the celebration of India's Independence Day only when Manipur gets its independence as an independent country recognized by the United Nations, the statement said recalling how Manipur was merged to the Indian Union.
Manipur got independence from the British colonial rule a day ahead of India's independence on August 14, 1947.This has been very clear by the fact that the Manipuri flag "Pankhangba Pafan" was hoisted in place of the British flag to mark the end of the colonial rule.
When Manipur got its independent on August 14, there is no reason why the people of the state should take part in the Independence Day celebration of India on August 15, Leishemba said in his statement calling the people to stay away from participation in the celebration.
Manipuris are lacking behind in all spheres since the merger to the Indian Union and now exists the fear of extinction of the people from its own soil.