Manipur Insurgent Groups Call Statewide Shutdown on October 15 Over 1949 Merger
Several banned insurgent groups have called for a statewide shutdown in Manipur on October 15 to observe what they describe as “National Black Day” and protest the state’s merger with India in 1949.
The National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM), through its information and publicity secretary Sanajoaba Meitei, described the day as a turning point that marked the loss of Manipur’s political independence. The outfit appealed to the public, intellectuals, civil society organisations and educational institutions to observe the occasion and discuss the historical and political circumstances surrounding the merger.
The Coordination Committee (CorCom), comprising the KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, RPF and UNLF, announced a 12-hour shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm. Separately, the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA) called a strike from 5 am to 5 pm. Medical emergencies, media services and religious activities have been exempted from the shutdowns.
The NRFM cited the 1993 National Convention on the Manipur Merger Issue, which rejected the validity of the Merger Agreement signed on September 21, 1949, alleging that it was signed under coercion in Shillong. The transfer of administration formally took effect on October 15, 1949.
The outfit also referred to Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and alleged that India had violated the provision protecting the territorial integrity and political independence of states. It further characterised the ongoing unrest in Manipur as an international armed conflict and alleged the use of external armed proxies since May 3, 2023.
The NRFM stated that it would join other underground groups in participating in the protest.
