Mail News Service
New Delhi, Apr 28: Today in Parliament our MP Dr Thokchom Meinya has introduced a Private Member Bill in order to protect and preserve the territorial integrity of the State of Manipur for all time to come. This constitutional amendment Bill contemplates insertion of a new Article 371 CA in the Constitution of India as a special provision for Manipur. According to this constitutional amendment Bill the Article 3 of the Constitution of India shall not apply to the State of Manipur; that means Centre’s power and authority to change the boundary of any State of the Union under Article 3 shall not exist in the case of the State of Manipur. The new Article 371 CA envisages complete protection and preservation of the geographical
area of the State of Manipur which existed at the time of its merger with the Indian Union in 1949.
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
Manipur has been recognized as a political entity having a geographical boundary, a demographic identity and a long glorious history and tradition.
Manipur has a long history of monarchy for more than two thousand years. Since the coronation of King Pakhangba in circa 36 AD, it has been a stable monarchy hardly interrupted by any outsider or invader. In its long history, Manipur was occupied only twice by the external forces. First the Burmese occupied Manipur for seven years (1819 – 1825) and later by the Britishers (1891 – ¬1947). Then Manipur remained an independent princely state in between 1947 to 1949 till it merged with the Union of India.
The merger agreement was signed between the Government of India and the then Maharaja of Manipur on 21st September 1949, which came into force w. e. f. 15th October 1949. The territorial area of Manipur which existed at the time of merger must be respected and made sacrosanct and preserved.
In ancient period the land of Manipur was inhabited by few ethnic groups. In course of time the demographic complexion has changed and now the population of Manipur comprises of various communities and ethnic groups. Despite sporadic instances of feuds and clashes among and between the communities and ethnic groups, the spirit of peaceful co-existence still exists among the people of Manipur. The fact remains that Manipur belongs to the people of Manipur.
This political entity called Manipur must be protected and safeguarded in the interest of the people of Manipur.
For about three years from 1947 to 1949 the princely State of Manipur remained a buffer-state between India and Burma (Myanmar). Ultimately, Manipur joined the Union of India on 15th October 1949 and at that time the geographical area of Manipur was about 22, 327 sq. km. The sanctity of this geographical area of Manipur which existed at the time of merger with the Union of India must be given a constitutional protection and safeguard.
A series of resolutions had been adopted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly for protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur, the latest being the one adopted on June 12, 2002 (Annexure II).
Hence this Bill.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/meinya-introduces-bill-to-safeguard-the-territorial-integrity/
