IMPHAL, Oct 18 MNS NNN : Manipur was the first and foremost “country” that adopted democratic form of government in the entire East Asia, stated former deputy chief minister of Manipur Dr L. Chandramani at a function marking the ‘first Manipur state assembly session’ on Thursday.
The first Manipur state assembly session was held on October 18, 1948 at the royal palace’s Durbar Hall, Dr Chandramani reminisced at the commemorative function and said the present generation needs to remember the speech made by the then Maharaja Bodhchandra in the state assembly.
He asserted no any country of East Asia including India had ever developed the foundation of democracy before the remarkable day when Manipur held its first ever state assembly session.
During the function held at the office complex of Manipur People’s Party (MPP), Imphal commemorating the first sitting of the Manipur state assembly, Dr Chandramani also talked at length about the speech delivered by Bodhchandra, the Maharaja of Manipur at the session.
The former deputy chief minister said the time has come for the people to remember the proclamation of Bodhchandra who had suggested setting up of educational institutions, particularly high schools in the hill areas of Manipur and production of silk textile to boost up economy. Dr. L. Chandramani said, the boundary of Manipur was big but it is smaller day by day. Due to irregularity in governance the state of affairs has become chaotic . We should study the 64 year old NE history.
President, youth front MPP W. Maniton said, as per instructions of Maharaj Budhachandra, A committee having 21 members have been formed to frame a constitution on December 17, 1947. Representatives from rally, nominees of the king, president of Durban and Chief Court took part in the committee and it became functional on March 17, 1947 workers of MPP took part in the function.
The function presided over by MPP president Sanasam Umananda was also attended by the party’s advisor and veteran leader O Joy.
Saying that it is indeed a pride of Manipur which introduced parliamentary form of democracy since the early era, O Joy held that the people do not enjoy and see the true meaning of the existing democracy in the state of Manipur. MPP president Umananda said the event will be observed in a much bigger way from next year adding the commemoration was being held for the third time. Recognising the increasing importance of the occasion, the MPP will try to observe the day at the Durbar Hall of the royal palace of Manipur from next year, Umananda announced.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/formation-of-first-democratic-government/
