In a powerful display of unity, purpose, and historical consciousness, a collective of major student and youth organizations— Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Singpang Lup (AIMS), and Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUG)—jointly observed the 78th Manipur Independence Day at various venues across the state under the unifying theme “The Six Student Union”, signifying resurgence, remembrance, and resilience.
Historical Significance
The observance marked the day—14th August 1947—when Manipur regained independence from British colonial rule. Though India’s independence is commemorated on August 15, Manipur had declared its own sovereignty a day earlier. However, this independence was later eclipsed by the controversial merger of Manipur into the Indian Union in 1949. For decades, student bodies and civil society organizations have upheld August 14 as a day to remember Manipur’s distinct historical and political journey.
Event Highlights
The observance began with a flag-hoisting ceremony and a solemn tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who dedicated their lives to the cause of Manipur’s freedom, dignity, and justice. The national flag of Manipur—used symbolically to evoke the state’s lost sovereignty—was hoisted, followed by a moment of silence to honour those who resisted colonialism and central domination.
Key activities included:
Public Addresses by student leaders from all seven organizations, who called on the youth to remember their roots and safeguard Manipur’s territorial and cultural integrity.Thematic Discussions on the merger agreement of 1949, the implications of AFSPA, and the Central Government’s role in the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Cultural Performances, including patriotic songs, traditional dance, and dramatic renditions of Manipur’s struggle for autonomy.“Six Student Union” Message: The word Six Student Union, meaning “to rise again” or “to emerge”, was chosen as the rallying cry of this year’s observance, symbolizing the will of the people to stand united amid adversity and to reclaim their history, rights, and voice.
Joint Statement by the Student Groups
A joint statement was released by the organizations, declaring:
“Manipur’s history did not begin in 1949. We were an independent nation with our own constitution and governance before being forcibly merged into the Indian Union. This day is not about rejecting India’s independence, but about reclaiming our identity, understanding our past, and resisting erasure. The people of Manipur, especially its youth, must rise – Six Student Union – and defend the integrity of our land, culture, and political rights.”The statement further condemned the continued imposition of AFSPA, criticized what they called “New Delhi’s neglect and divide-and-rule policy”, and emphasized the importance of education, political awareness, and peaceful resistance in the face of escalating ethnic tensions and militarization in the state.
Public Participation and Community Impact
The event witnessed participation from:
Hundreds of students and youths across schools, colleges, and universities,Women’s organizations, local clubs, and community leaders,Cultural troupes and volunteer groups who supported logistics and outreach,Media coverage by local dailies and social media dissemination helped the message reach far beyond Imphal.