Points On Election Manifesto For The 2017 Election In Manipur
- Part 4 -

Dr. Khomdon Lisam *

Voting at the By-election to Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency on October 17 2014 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

11. Manipur's Representation in Lok Sabha

The number of Lok Sabha MPs for Manipur is not viable The number of Lok Sabha seats for Manipur is only two whereas for UP, it is 80, Bihar-40, Maharastra-48,West Bengal-42, Tamil Nadu-39, Madhya Pradesh-29, Krnataka-28, Assam-14. We find that for a small population hardly two lakhs of Anglo-Indians, Pandit Nehru had put the number of Lok Sabha MPs as two.

Considering the Indian Constitution, no Manipuri can become the Prime Minster of India in the next 500 years. No Manipuri MP can initiate amendment of Indian Constitution effectively. The number of Lok Sabha MPs for Manipur should be a least six. Even if it is done, no Manipuri can become the Prime Minister of India or President even if he is Lord Krishna or Jesus Christ or prophet Muhammad in the next 500 years..

12. Manipur's Representation in Rajya Sabha ( Council of States )

The Rajya Sabha is the Council of States where States are represented . Each state whether large or small should have equal representatives in the Rajya Sabha. There is no balanced representation of states in the Rajya Sabha. Manipur has only one Rajya Sabha MP whereas Uttar Pradesh has 31, Maharastra-19,Tamil Nadu-18, West Bengal -16, Bihar 16.

Manipur has only one Rajya Sabha MP whereas Uttar Pradesh has 31, Maharastra-19,Tamil Nadu-18, West Bengal -16, Bihar16. There should be balanced and equal representation of States-big or small as done in many democratic countries of the world including USA. The number of Rajya Sabha MPs for Manipur should be eight.

The procedure for constitutional amendment is very lengthy and complicated. Further, the other bigger states with a large number of MPs may not be quite conversant with the problems and issues of the state for whom the bill is introduced in the Parliament. Hence the risk of failure to convert the bill into an Act is very great. The other option is to demand for Restoration of Pre-Merger Political Status of Manipur

I fervently appeal to all the leaders of political parties to seriously examine the option of grant of Restoration of Pre-Merger Political Status of Manipur. This will require a strong leadership with great skill in human relation, advocacy and lobbying.

Restoration of Pre-Merger Political Status of Manipur

Considering the proud history of Manipur as a Sovereign Kingdom for more than 2000 years, recognising the series of blunders the Government of India has committed against Manipur during the last 69 years and recognising the various demands of the ethnic groups, the political leaders of Manipur should for grant of" RESTORATION OF PRE-MERGER POLITICAL STATUS OF MANIPUR" without further delay. Since the Government of India is planning to grant SHARED SOVEREIGNTY to Nagaland, there is nothing unconstitutional or nothing illegal about it.

The idea and the contents of Shared Sovereignty of the Nagas demanded by the NSCN-IM is almost the same with the Instrument of Accession which Maharaja Bodhchandra signed on 11 August, 1947 and accepted by Louis Mountbatten ,Governor General of India on 16 August,1947.Any thoughtless action by the Government of India may bring unexpected consequences for which Government of India will be held responsible. The RESTORATION OF PRE-MERGER POLITICAL STATUS OF MANIPUR may consist of the following components :-

(1). Separate constitution for Manipur based on Democracy to be prepared by representatives of all ethnic groups in Manipur. The State of Jammu and Kashmir has a separate constitution

(2) Separate Parliament /National Assembly including both Lower house and Upper House

(3).Separate Prime Minister

(4). Separate President

(5). Separate Flag (Malem Puba Paphal flag – Pakhangba flag)

(6).Separate Supreme Court

(7). .Separate Passport and Visa system for Manipur

(8). Separate Administrative System

(9). Separate Legal System

(10). Separate Service Cadres for Manipur at par with Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police service, Indian Foreign Service etc.

(11). Separate Currency at par with Indian Rupees

(12). Separate representatives to the United Nations Organisation

(13) Separate Embassies in Countries of our own choice

(14) Separate representation of Sports team in international events and Olympic

(15) Joint Defence

(16) Joint External Affaires

(17) Joint Communication

(18) Separate and special Central grant and budget from the Government of India.

(19) Right to conclude Commercial Business and Trading Agreements with foreign countries. Manipur will remain as a part of India with shared Sovereignty.

Without restoration of PRE-MERGER POLITICAL STATUS OF MANIPUR, fulfilment of any other demands will be meaningless. All the ethnic groups will participate at the Constitution making process and we (Manipuris) will have our own constitution and our own nation with all the ethnic groups living in harmony and in peace to together and compete with the best brains of the world.

Concluded.....