Discussion on 'Our Freedom' held
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 29 2011: A one-day discussion programme on "Our Freedom" organized by Freedom Research Foundation, Imphal was held Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound today.

The function was graced by MLA O Joy, Retired Principal RK Gopalsana and writer Elangbam Sonamani as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA O Joy explained that by freedom we mean a state having sovereignty, having a population, a territory and a government of its own.

The people of the state should ask themselves how much freedom they enjoy out of the so called "freedom" they are experiencing at the moment.

He went on to explain that democracy has two branches.

One deals with liberty and the other branch deals with equality.

If these two branches of democracy fail to exist, there will be no democratic set up in the state.

Manipur has been independent ever since, except during the "Seven Years Devastation".

After that, the State, under the Indian Union, has been enjoying freedom under the Indian Independent Act, he added.

MLA O Joy observed that if at all, a Supra State Body is to be formed for safeguarding the culture, tradition and identity of a particular community, then a Supra State Body for the indigenous people should also be formed.

The Union government has been ignoring the 11-year long struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila against AFSPA but recognizes with due respect to the weeklong agitation of Anna Hazare.

The economic blockade was also carried out in the state for 120 days against the ruling of Supreme Court.

Considering all these as well as the present political conflict situation in the state, the people of Manipur should be very clear on what freedom actually mean, he added.

RK Ranendrajit, Chairman cum Managing Director of Freedom Research Foundation, observed that organizing such discussion programmes will give enough knowledge to the general public on the meaning of freedom.

The programme was attended by renowned musicologist B Jayentakumar Sharma, N Kunjamohan, Thoidingjam Tombi, Birjit Ngangomba, Dr Lokendro Arambam and S Bhanumati as presidium members.

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