Manipur harks back to 1972 on Statehood day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 21: Along with reminiscing the struggle of the people before and after it was brought under the administrative set up of India, the 36th Statehood Day of Manipur was celebrated by the Government at the parade ground of Ist Manipur Rifles here today.

The function was attended by Revenue, Forest & Law Minister Th Debendra Singh as chief guest and Health & Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat as president.

Singers render a number during the Statehood Day function

Rendering of devotional and patriotic songs by people of various religious groups marked the event attended by many other Ministers, MLAs and top police and civil officials.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Th Debendra recalled that the demand for Statehood had been raised since the very day of merger of Manipur with India in 1949 .

Manipur had its own elected Government in 1947, he added.

There was also resentment of the people against the merger and since then some of the youths have gone away from the mainstream, he said.

The Minister further recalled that along with setting up of Territorial Council in 1956-57, Manipur came under the direct administration of the President of India through appointment of a Chief Commissioner.

Even this arrangement was not enough to ensure the rights of the people due to every citizen of the country nor constitution of a Legislative Assembly in 1963 could not redress the grievances of the people, the Minister said.

In 1969, an announcement was made for bringing Manipur under the administration of one Lieutenant Governor instead of the Chief Commissioner, he said, adding that after all these ordeals, Manipur was granted Statehood on this day in 1972 .

This is the result of the efforts and sacrifices made by all the people, both in the hill and the valley, political parties, social organisations, etc, the Minister said, while exhorting "it is our bounden duty to remember all those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Statehood".

Although demand for Statehood has been achieved, the people are still living in underdevelopment by a quarter century, the Minister lamented, adding that it would be appropriate to find out how these developmental gaps can be filled up while celebrating Statehood Day.

Noting that development and proper utilisation of available human resources is the key to development of this landlocked State which has no mineral resources of its own and had been neglected for the last 25 years, the Minister said collective effort and participation of all in the developmental process is essential.

In his presidential address, Minister Ph Parijat, however, maintained that Manipur has seen development in all sectors after attainment of Statehood, although the law and order problems still persist.

Elucidating his point, Parijat pointed out that to give special focus on the development of the North Eastern Region, the UPA Government at the Centre has set up DoNER Ministry.

The State Govt would also be taking up every possible measures for taking forward the developmental activities of the State, the Minister assured.

On the issue of health care, the Minister announced that the existing PHCs in all the districts including Jiribam would be upgraded as 50-bedded health centres.