Manipur grinds to halt as Black Day shutdown over 1949 merger disrupts normal life
Imphal: Normal life was severely disrupted in Bharatiya Janata Party -ruled Manipur as organisations observed the anniversary of the state’s merger with India in 1949 as “National Black Day”.
A 12-hour statewide shutdown called by the Coordination Committee, an umbrella body of liberation groups, brought markets, public transport and educational institutions to a standstill.
The shutdown began at 6:00am and was scheduled to conclude at 6:00pm. Markets, shops and business establishments remained closed, while passenger vehicles, including interstate transport services, largely stayed off the roads.
Streets in Imphal, other towns wear deserted look
Streets in Imphal and other towns wore a deserted look, with only a few private and emergency vehicles seen plying.
Major commercial hubs, including Khwairamband Ima Market, Paona Market and Thangal Market, remained shut. Educational institutions and private offices were also closed, adding to the disruption of daily activities.
Medical and emergency services, media operations and religious functions were exempted from the shutdown.
October 15 is observed as “National Black Day” by the Coordination Committee and other political organisations advocating Manipur’s liberation to protest the state’s merger with the Indian Union.
The Merger Agreement was signed by Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh and representatives of the Government of India in Shillong on September 21, 1949, and came into effect on October 15 that year.
Merger deprived Manipur of its sovereignty, political rights
Several Manipuri political groups and organisations maintain that the merger deprived Manipur of its sovereignty and political rights. They observe the day annually to oppose the state’s integration with India.
The Coordination Committee observes October 15 every year as “National Black Day”, saying that the merger resulted in the loss of Manipur’s sovereignty and political rights.
Manipur’s merger with India violates international law
In its statement, the Coordination Committee said that Manipur’s merger with India violated international law and disregarded the political and constitutional status the state had attained before the merger.
Recounting the events leading to the merger, the organisation said that Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh was taken to Shillong by Indian forces on September 21, 1949, and compelled to sign the Merger Agreement at Redlands, the residence of the Manipur Maharaja in Shillong.
The Coordination Committee described the agreement as the outcome of coercion rather than a voluntary political decision. The organisation continues to reject Manipur’s merger with India and demands an independent state.
