Crimes are sponsered by India

A citizens' conference on 'Violence in Manipur' held at Manipur Press Club here today has resolved to convene a public dialogue on resolving the conflict situation and restore normalcy in the State at the earliest possible and entrusted Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) to make necessary preparation for the success of the proposed public dialogue. Other resolutions adopted during the citizens' conference organised with the leading role of MAFYF include to identify the nature of the violence taking place in the State almost on daily basis and MAFYF to play a pivotal role in this regard. Giving the key note address of the conference held with Arambam Lokendra as the moderator, MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal contended that around 90 percent of the crime and violence taking place in the State today is sponsored by Indian Govt. The crime and violence being perpetrated by armed outfits and their cadres that have been brought under the ambit of ceasefire and suspension of operation with the Indian Govt have not only caused confusion among the people but also serious impact on the lives of the common people, Kangleipal said. Inspite of all these, the Govt of Manipur has been keeping quite and indirectly helping the proxy forces in carrying on with their crime and violence on the people of the State. In such a critical junction, the recent announcement made by the Ministry of Home Affairs to stop providing internet facilities in the North East India including Manipur has revealed the colonial mindset of India, Kangleipal said. Giving his view point on the citizens' conference held from 10 am to 5 pm, MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa RK Anand maintained that all the violent activities taking place in Manipur for the last many years is a kind of threat under a special campaign. In order to identity this threat, along with a political will, the collective force of the people is required, he added. In his address as special guest of the conference, Dr Dhanabir Laishram observed that the crime and violence has been spreading as the democratic politics has been missing in a democratic institute. So restoration of democratic politics in the democratic institute is essential. Another special guest, president of Senior Citizens for Society N Binoy contended that with imposition of various black laws and Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in North Eastern region by the Government of India being the main root cause, instances of crime and violence in the region has been on the rise. Decrying the alleged attitude of the Govt of Manipur in remaining as a mere spectator to the crimes and violence being perpetrated under the guise of imposing AFSPA, Binoy wondered over some possible hidden agenda over this. Necessary steps for removing the black laws should be taken up collectively by the people while there is time, he exhorted. Participating in the conference, Dr Chinglen Meisnam of Economics Dept, Manipur University pointed out that the existing financial condition and constraint in the State also helps in abating the crimes and violence taking place in the State almost on daily basis. So improvement of the economy of the State is also of paramount important. Advocate Khaidem Mani, B Sanamacha of Senior Citizens' for Society and L Sadananda, etc were among other resource persons who spoke and participated in the discussion during the conference.

MAFYF accuses India for crimes and violence

Imphal, April 02: The Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) has accused the Government of India of sponsoring and inciting 90 percent of the crimes and violence that place in Manipur.

Speaking to reporters at its office here today, MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal observed that the crimes and violence allegedly being sponsored by the Centre have been causing untold misery and hardships to the people of the State.

Most of the criminal and violent activities that are occurring in the State are perpetrated by the armed groups which are under ceasefire or suspension of operation with the Government of India, Kangleipal asserted.

To such crimes being sponsored by the Centre using proxy forces with a biased and malicious attitude, the State Government is not only a spectator but also a collaborator, he alleged.

The recent official order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs which restricted the Airtel to provide GPRS facility in the North East region including Manipur from yesterday only confirmed the discriminatory mindset of New Delhi, Kangleipal contended.

Stating that it's high time for the people of Manipur to understand the alleged diabolic policy of the Government of India which is anti-development and pro violence, he informed that a public dialogue on 'Violence in Manipur' will be held at Manipur Press Club on April 5.A campaign on the same theme will also be launched in different parts of the State, he added.

Anti-National tag on Kangleipal

Imphal, September 06: The State police have charged MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal with a series of offences amounting to waging a war against the establishments of the Government of India by hatching criminal conspiracies.

Kangleipal (25) son of S Shyamsunder Meitei of Nongada Thongkhong was arrested by Lamlai police on September 4 while he was on his way to attend a meeting of the Apunba Lup.

He was however released yesterday evening on a personal bond by a duty Magistrate.

Lamlai police have registered an FIR No 84 (8) 2004 u/s 121/121-A IPC and 7 Cril Law Amendment Act against the MAFYF president.

On August 16, the OC of Lamlai police registered a case against the accused and others on the ground that activists of the Apunba Lup and one of its constituent partners, MAFYF, have been carrying out a series of agitation against the State and Central Governments using seditious action, police dossiers said.

The agitation is being carried out against the State and Central Governments to target the Govt establishments and to secede from the Indian Union, the police charged.

The activists threatened and obstructed the general public and Government servants in discharging their duties."These acts tantamount to waging a war against the lawful establishments of the Government of India by hatching criminal conspiracy," the police dossiers further said.The case was put up before the CJM 1st Class, Imphal West last night.

The Court however ruled, "considering the facts and circumstances of the law and order situation, the Court is of the view that no prima facie evidence for the commission of the alleged offences as alleged by the prosecution could not be made out against the accused".

Kangleipal was subsequently released.

Manipur in Unrest

The state government's decision to arm civilians against militants has triggered off a debate among the general public with a youth leader getting arrested for protesting against it here last night.

In the first phase, people of Heirok and Chajing would be provided arms by opening special posts to be commanded by Special Police Officers(SPOs).

The people of Heirok, Thoubal district, had been demanding for provision of arms, following the killing of three persons by militants on March 24. Besides, a 53-year-old man was killed by militants on April 23 at Chajing in Imphal West.

The government had been considering the feasibility of providing arms and ammunition since the past few days. Officials said 300 youths will be recruited at Heirok and 200 at Chajing, who will be commanded by police forces. Each youth will get Rs 3,000 for the srvice.

The modalities would be worked out by a police team headed by a DIG and the entire process was expected to commence by next month, officials said.

The president of Manipur Forward Youth Front(MAFYF) Sapamcha Kangleipal was arrested by a police team from Manipur Press Club last night for allegedly making seditious statements.

He has been charged under Section 124(A) of Indian Penal Code, Section-IX of Punjab Security Act and Section-VIII d(B) of Assam Maintenance of Public Order Act according to police.

The police waited the whole day yesterday to arrest the youth leader, who discussed the "fall out of the government and its failure in handling the situaiton by deciding to arm civillians".

The youth leader discussed over the "matter" till late last evening, when he wss picked up by the police personnel from the press club.

The UPF, NIP-CO, AMSU, Mapi Council, MAFYF, Human Rights Defender, AMKIL, Tammi- Chingmi, Nupi Samaj, Ad-vanced Women Society (Sekmai), Thoubal District United Women Development Organisation, UPA- CCO (Thoubal), THANIL, ANUL (Bishnupur) and Macha Leima have all condemned the arrest of Kangleipal.

The Janata Dal (Secular), Manipur President, W Kulabidhu said the Janata Dal (S), Manipur, have expressed their views against the taking up of arms by civilians in Manipur.

A deadlock in Manipur

SUSHANTA TALUKDAR
in Guwahati

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil's meeting with the Apunba Lup leadership turns unproductive with the agitating parties agreeing for nothing short of the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the whole of Manipur.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil (right) and Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh addressing a press conference at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on September 6.

EVEN as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government dithered on the vexed issue of withdrawing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA, 1958, from Manipur, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil's visit to the trouble-torn State in the first week of September raised hopes of resolving the ongoing stir there demanding the withdrawal of the Act. But the visit failed to yield any result in this regard.

Leaders of the Apunba Lup, the banner organisation of 32 social organisations and groups of Manipur, which is spearheading the more-than-two-month-long movement demanding the withdrawal of the Act, said that their meeting with the Union Home Minister had been "a waste of time and energy". The Apunba Lup also turned down Patil's offer for further talks and vowed to intensify the agitation until its demand for the complete withdrawal of the Act was met.

After a 30-minute meeting with Patil at the Raj Bhavan, leaders of the Apunba Lup accused both the Centre and the State government of passing the buck. They pointed out that while the State government claimed that only the Centre could take a final decision, Patil had tried to pass on the responsibility to the State government. They accused Patil of being "insensitive" to the issue and said they were totally "dissatisfied". "This reflects how serious Delhi is about issues pertaining to the northeastern region," said a spokesman of the Apunba Lup after the meeting.

Students of the Jawaharlal Navodaya Vidyalaya, Khumbong, burn textbooks in Imphal on August 30 in support of the demand for the withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur.

Patil, on the other hand, said at a press conference after the meeting that some of the demands of the Apunba Lup could be accepted while some others required further discussions. He said that the Centre was keen to deal with the situation with "sympathy and understanding". Leaders of the Apunba Lup, however, maintained that they had only one demand - that of the withdrawal of the Act - and that had not been accepted.

Patil was greeted on his maiden visit to the State by a general strike called by the Apunba Lup. The movement leaders initially refused to meet Patil in protest against the arrest of one of them, Sapamcha Kangleipal, president of the Manipur Forward Youth Front, on charges of having links with militants. The arrest came as part of the crackdown launched on the Apunba Lup by the Okram Ibobi Singh government in a bid to crush the movement.

THE ongoing agitation was stirred by the alleged rape and custodial death of a 32-year-old Manipuri woman, Thangjam Manorama, after she was picked up by personnel of the Assam Rifles engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the State, on the night of July 10. A nude protest staged by a dozen women on July 15 to condemn Manorama's killing sparked off a widespread movement demanding the withdrawal of the Act from the State. Educational institutions too came to a standstill with students boycotting classes in support of the agitation.

The Ibobi Singh government withdrew the "disturbed area" status from a 20-square-km area falling within Imphal municipal limits in order to render the AFSPA ineffective but the Apunba Lup insisted on the AFSPA's withdrawal from the entire State.

Close on the heels of Patil's visit, Irom Sharmila, a 33-year-old Manipuri woman who has been on a fast since November 2000 demanding the repeal of the AFSPA, was released from judicial custody. She had been remanded to judicial custody by the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal, until September 24 after she was re-arrested (and booked for attempting suicide) for refusing to end the fast. But Sharmila resumed her fast upon her release from the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital where she was being forcibly nose-fed. The ward she was kept in had been turned into a veritable jail. On two occasions earlier, when she was released after being held on the same grounds, she had resumed the fast the moment she was set free.

K. SHARATCHANDRA/AP

Manipur Police personnel direct an arrested rebel, in mask, to identify other rebels from the crowd in Imphal on August 30.

Meanwhile the C. Upendra Commission, which is inquiring into the circumstances that led to Manorama's death, has sought an extension of its term by another month. The Army Court of Inquiry, for its part, is awaiting the results of the DNA tests on blood samples collected from 33 of its personnel.

About five days after Patil's visit to Imphal, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee reportedly said in Kolkata that the Centre was considering limiting the scope of the Act in the region. On September 14, the Chief of the Army Staff, General N.C. Vij, was understood to have told Patil during a presentation on the internal security situation that counter-insurgency operations in Manipur would be compromised if the AFSPA was diluted or withdrawn. Gen. Vij said that the withdrawal of the Act from Manipur could give rise to similar demands from other States in the region and from Jammu and Kashmir. Prior to Patil's visit to Imphal, the Army chief also visited it to take stock of the ground situation.

While the Army's perception of the situation in Manipur would be a crucial input for the Centre in its effort to devise a strategy for Manipur, any further delay in reopening the dialogue process between the Centre and the leaders of the Apunba Lup is most likely to complicate the situation. Observers, however, feel that much would depend on the State government's role; if it continues to crack down on the Apunba Lup leadership, it will fail to create an atmosphere that is conducive to talks.

On September 13, former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing called on Patil in Delhi and impressed upon him the need for reopening talks with the Apunba Lup. Keishing later told mediapersons that the Home Minister was quite prepared to talk.

MAFYF leader's arrest : Court arrest bid foiled Three injured in police crackdown

Women cops confront meira paibis demanding the release of Kangleipal near the Raj Bhawan

Imphal, May 12: Atleast three persons reportedly sustained injuries in police action when MAFYF volunteers made an abortive attempt to court arrest in front of Raj Bhawan here today afternoon demanding the unconditional release of MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal from police custody. Kangleipal was arrested by the State police on alleged charge of sedition. As the MAFYF volunteers, numbering around 50, were approaching the Raj Bhawan at around 1 pm, the police commandos lathi-charged and chased them away towards Keishampat side. In all three MAFYF volunteers who sustained injuries in the police action have been reportedly hospitalised at RIMS. At around 2.30 pm, a large number of slogan shouting Meira Paibis demanding unconditional release of Kangleipal also marched towards the gate of Raj Bhawan from Keishampat Power House side. As the women police and the Commandos deployed in the vicinity of the Raj Bhawan gate stopped them, a confrontation ensued. The commandos snatched the festoons being carried by the women protestors who were ultimately driven back towards Keishampat Power House with the police firing tear gas canisters. Wakat Meephams were also reportedly staged at different places today demanding unconditional release of Kangleipal. At Pungdongbam Lamkhai, the protest demonstration was held under the joint aegis of Meira Paibis of Sekta and Pungdongbam, at Seijang Bus Waiting shed, the protest demonstration was organised by Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Phurup, at Sabungkhok Khunou by Sabungkhok Khunou Meira Paibi Lup, at Yaingangpokpi Bazar by the Meira Paibi Lups of Sanasabi, Thamnapokpi, Golatabi and Yaingangpokpi, at Chana by Chana Meira Paibi Lup, at Tellou Keithel by Tellou Meira Paibi Lup, at Nongpok Kakching by Nongpok Kakching Meira Paibi Lup, at Nongdam Bazar by Nongdam Meira Paibi Lup at Lamlai Bazar by Lamlai-Chalou Meira Paibi Lup and at Nongren. After the protest demonstration, a large number of Meira Paibis from Nongada area descended as Palace Gate here and charged towards the Chief Minister's bungalow raising the demand for unconditional and immediate release of Kangleipal from police custody. They were, however, stopped by the security personnel near Sanjenthong. The Meira Paibis requested the Police commandos to atleast allow them to see condition of Kangleipal in the police custody. But the request was turned down. Afterward the police commandos chased away the Meira Paibis till the Palace Gate. In separate press statements, the Meitei Society, Churachandpur; the United Women's Voluntary Association, Yumnam Patlou; the Chanura Chaokhat Khongthang Lup, Khewa Company; the Khewa Phurju Chanura Marup, Pukhao Phurju; Eastern United Sporting Club, Tellou; Mothers' Association, Ichum; Sanjenbam Khullen Women Welfare Association, Takhel; Social and Rural Development Organisation, Langmeithet Maning Leikai; Rural Youth Development Organisation, Charangpat Maning Leikai; Takhel Chaokhat Khongthang Nupi Lup, Takhel; Social Rising Club, Phoubakchao Khokmakhong; the Phoubakchao Young Muslim Development Association, Phoubakchao; the Uyumpok Mahila Welfare Association, Uyumpok, etc have also demanded unconditional release of MAFYF leader from police custody at once.

MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal arrested on sedition charge

IMPHAL, May 7: The president of the Manipur Youth Forward Front, MAFYF, Sapamcha Kangleipal was arrested by the Imphal west police on charges of sedition under 124A IPC, Section (9) of Punjab Security Act, 1953 and Section 8 (b) of Assam Maintenance of Public Order this evening around 7 pm from the Manipur Press Club in Imphal. Kangleipal was presiding over a panel discussion today at the Press Club under the theme `Meeyamda Khutlai Sinaba Masina Oihallakkadaba Phibam` moderated by Dr. Arambam Lokendro, coordinated by advocate Khaidem Mani and organised by the MAFYF. Earlier, a strong team of police commandos cordoned off the Manipur Press Club since noon till the end of the discussion and arrested the MAFYF president. On getting information that the police were attempting to arrest the MAFYF president from the Press Club several women representatives of some organisations thronged the press club this evening and threw a human ring around Sapamcha Kangleipal and other volunteers of the MAFYF till the Imphal west OC, inspector RK Khomdon came and issued a arrest warrant for Kangleipal around 6.30 pm. A press statement given by him which was published in local dailies yesterday stating that the government decision to issue arms to civilians asking them to protect themselves had negated the very purpose of an elected government was apparently the cause for the arrest. The police in the arrest warrant charged that the MAFYF president`s statement amounted to sedition and he was arrested under three major Acts including 124A of IPC, Section 9 of Punjab Security Act, 1953 and Section 8(b) of the Assam Maintenance of Public Order. In the meantime, the MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal just before he got the arrest warrant from the police gave a short deliberation that the recent state government decision for supply of guns to the public in the name of protecting themselves from militant activities could never solve the burning insurgency problem in the state. Rather, the government`s step would worsen the situation in the state which could become a meaningless democratic state, he added. Several representatives of women`s organisations accompanied Sapamcha Kangleipal upto the SP Imphal West office after his arrest from the Press Club.

IN-FOCUS: Human rights defender arrested in Manipur

"IF WE COULD NOT DISCUSS AND EXPRESS REGARDING A DECISION OF A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF DEMOCRACY?" - Sapamcha Kangleipal

Name: Sapam Kangleipal Meitei (27 years)

(Also known as Sapamcha Kangleipal)

Father's Name: Sapam Shyamsunder Meetei

Address: Nongada Thongkhong, Imphal East, under the Lamlai Police Station, Manipur

Occupation: Social Activist, President of Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF)

Date of incident: 7 May 2008

Place of incident: Manipur Press Club, Imphal

Perpetrators: Manipur police of Imphal police station and Manipur police of City police, Imphal along with Manipur police commandos

Fact of the case:
----------------

A team of Manipur Police had arrested Mr Sapamcha Kangleipal Meetei, a key human rights defender and forerunner youth leader of Manipur (India) for organising a public discussion on the Arming the Civilians and Its Possible Consequences (in Manipur) and making statements regarding the above issue reportedly demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister of Manipur in response to the failure of governance.

The youth leader was picked up from the Manipur Press Club on 7 May 2008 on charge of sedition against Government shortly after the public discussion.

The police team reportedly led by Mr. Munan and Mr. Khomdon, officer-in-charges of City Police and Imphal Police Station (West) respectively and forced to switch off the live telecast of the public discussion through a local cable TV network (ISTV).

The police team reportedly attempted to take him away forcibly at the very outset of the Discussion. Mr. Sapamcha Kangleipal aged about 27, son of Mr. Sapam Shyamsunder Meetei of the Nongada Thongkhong, Imphal East under the Lamlai Police Station, Manipur has been working at the local grassroots level as President of the Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) over the last seven years.

MAFYF organised this public discussion on the existing issue of the Arming the Civilians on 7 May 2008 at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The discussion was the follow up of one incident triggered by some armed cadres of People Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), an armed opposition group in Manipur, reportedly shot dead two girls and a boy while another girl sustained injury causing her eyes blind in the evening of 24 March 2008 at a local traditional festival dance (known as Thabal Chongba) spot at Heirok, Thoubal District.

As the result of the violence, by the non state actors the residents of the Heirok village have been agitating for demanding to issue guns to them in order to defence themselves from such future armed assail. Later, another village, Lilong Chajing, Imphal West District also have been reportedly demanded the same for their own self guard. Eventually the Government of India agreed and advanced the plan of the arming the civilians of Heirok and Chajing with 300 and 200 weapons respectively. The recruitment for issuing guns has been conducting since 5th May 2008 at Heirok village.

The discussion started at around 11 am with a penal of Senior Lawyer, University Professor and Journalist amidst audience of women rights defenders, youths, civil society leaders, human rights activists, media personnel etc. Within a few minutes, while Kangleipal was giving his key note address of the event, two police personnel allegedly entered the hall where discussion was going on and forcibly switch off the live telecast of ISTV (a local cable TV network).

Soon after Kangleipal completed his speech, a (special) police commando team also allegedly entered the venue on the main entrance of the hall and physically one policeman with a black scarf on his face reportedly pulled him. However, taking the advantage of media and other participants' presence of the event, Kangleipal sneaked on to the dais. He informed the panellists of the situation and the lawyer who is one of the panellists even requested the police and government authority through the mike/microphone of the discussion in order not to execute undesirable action without legal basis. The event was reportedly going on in the mid of some tensions but the speeches and statement were normally democratic and fair enough upon the government, the discussion moved on up to the formal end part. The police commando allegedly remained waiting for the chance off the media and audience.

As Kangleipal did not give chance to arrest him there, the police were waiting until the end of the programme to nap him without any legal procedure. The discussion was over at around 5 pm. The other participants were allegedly forced to left the venue, but women human rights defenders (Meira Paibee) who participated in the discussion realising the tense, they reportedly started to confront with the commandos as the police asked them to go away from the Press Club and leave Mr. Kangleipal alone. Eventually after hours long tussle between the women and the police in front of the media at the Manipur Press Club, the police team reportedly picked him up after issuing arrest memo and brought him to the Imphal police station at about 7.20 pm and thereby some 5/6 women reportedly got themselves into the same vehicle voluntarily despite of police forcing them not to come along.

Before his arrest, Mr. Kangleipal reportedly told to the media, "If we could not discuss and express regarding a decision of a Democratic Government, what is the meaning of democracy".

He was arrested by providing the reason in connection with FIR No. 129 (5) 08 IPS under section 124 A IPC and section 9 of Punjab security Act and Section 8 (b) Assam Maintenance of Public Order Act.

Follow Up:
----------
On 7 May 2008,After hearing Many of the leading civil society groups of Manipur namely, United People Front (UPF), National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO), All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Manipur Peace and Integrity Council(MAPI-Council), Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF), Centre For Organisation Research and Education (CORE), All Manipur Kanba Ima Lup(AMKIL), Tammi Chingmi Apunba Ima Lup(Tammi Chingmi), All Manipur Women Social Reformation and Development Samaj(NUPI SAMAJ), Advanced Women Society Sekmai, United People Administrative Council (UPACO), Thoubal District United Women Development Organisation, Thangmeiband Apunba Ima Lup(THANIL), ANUL ( Bishnupur), Macha Leima and Ethno Heritage Council(HERICOUN) are strongly protesting the arrest and demanding the unconditional release of Kangleipal immediately.

Action requested
----------------

Please write to the Indian authorities and ask them to:

i. Take all necessary measures to guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Sapamcha Kangleipal

ii. Release Mr. Sapamcha Kangleipal immediately and unconditionally, as his detention is arbitrary since it only aims at sanctioning his human rights activities;

iii. Put an end to any act of harassment, including at the judicial level, against Mr. Sapamcha Kangleipal as well as against all human rights defenders in India;

iv. Comply with the provisions of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 9, 1998, in particular Article 1, which states that "everyone has the right, individually or collectively, to promote the protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels", as well as Article 12.2, which provides that "the State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually or in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration";

v. Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international human rights instruments ratified by India.

NOTE: Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF), is a purely voluntary civil organisation working in the field of human rights, conflict transformation and peace building, anti drugs, social issues especially of youths. The organisation is one of the fore front citizen's groups which comprise of youths for the protection and promotion of human rights at the grass roots level. They frequently have been urging the government to talk dialogue with arm opposition groups and peace building in the state.

Secret India at war celebrates its re-invented pas

by Marc-Olivier Parlatano

North East India, seven North Eastern StatesIndia is an anti-India. Between Tibet and Bengal, the aboriginals, the �adivasi�, are a majority, unlike in the rest of Indian Union. And Manipur, one of the �seven sisters� States, organizes a celebration every year in spite of a war which devastates the State. Or maybe because of this war. In September, Manipur commemorates the political activist Hijam Irabot (1896-1951). On Saturday, the 30th of September 2006 were planned a floral tribute in Irabot�s birth place village and a meeting in Imphal (Manipuri capital), Kishworjit Singh, joint commissioner at Manipuri Arts and Culture Department, explains. Several associations take part to the celebration. Among them the MAFYF (Manipuri Forward Youth Front) directed by Sampacha Kangleipal.

But in Manipur it is not exactly a time of joy. Twenty insurgencies are fighting the Indian army since 1958. The annual appointment helps to dream about a Manipur which would be united by its past � not by its present or future. MAFYF leader is optimistic: relations �are not difficult� between Hindu Meiteis (an important comunity in Manipur) and mainly Christian Naga people: �I am sure, Kangleipal asserts, that hundreds of Nagas will come to the celebration places and dance�. Kangleipal concedes however that �some ambitious political leaders� want to poke up hatred between Meiteis and Nagas. In reality, there is some mistrust between these two tribes: some Manipuris believe that Delhi favors the Nagas (a truce is prevailing between Naga insurgency and Indian armed forces since 1997) against Manipuris. But the MAFYF won�t spoil the party.

Irabot remains nevertheless an interesting man. This Bollywood style person � he was born poor and got married to a niece of the maharajah of Manipur � can be described as a left wing patriot. He started to act in politics in 1937, combined with marxists and demanded land ownership reform in his country. This commitment sent Irabot to jail and gave him the nickname �Jananeta�, people�s leader. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Manipur and Irabot had to flee. He came back to Manipur in 1946 and was obliged to hide after 1948, as he was persecuted and some of his supporters were killed.

As a friend of the communists, Irabot founded rural communist small sections in 1949. Some of these small sections have started a guerrilla (which still goes on). Irabot found shelter in Burma�s jungle, and typhus carried him away in 1951.
To summarize, Manipur cannot leave Irabot (or his image) in the hands of the insurgents. Hence the idea to ritualize Irabot�s aura. To succeed, it is necessary to create a partly true image of Irabot: in 1948, Hijam Irabot did not want Manipur to enter Indian Union. In Imphal, this aspect of Irabot would not be celebrated; the State governor would not agree.

The nationalist is re-painted and re-invented as a regional hero, a people�s friend. Thanks to ad hoc safety forces, young boys and girls wearing red shirts, khakee shorts or skirts will enter today Imphal Sports Ground. And MAFYF�s enthusiasm is compulsory. Moreover, in 2006, local authorities hide the 60th anniversary of Irabot�s �come back� in politics (and the following insurgency), an inconvenient jubilee. Irabot celebration will have to be very bright: by next year, 2007, there will be the 60th anniversary of Indian independence. This jubilee risks to prevent Manipur from celebrating Irabot as in 2006. And to speak about North East India... Assamese people will maybe remember the dismantling of their former kingdom � dismantled to create four out the seven sisters� States.

Finally, something sure. To exaltate Irabot�s memory does not solve any conflict. It is not possible to avoid a crucial issue: North East India�s future. The violent and tragic events in Manipur, Assam, Nagaland remind us that India has not yet completed its unity � that India has not yet established its �natural� borders. It is not the time to wonder whether a balkanization of North East India happens or not � but when it happens, and how. If one imagines four secessions � Assam, Tripura, Nagaland and Manipur reaching sovereignty -, would rival neighbors (Burma/Myanmar, China) invade this hypothetical new states, destroy their short-lived liberty and change the geostrategical situation of the area ? Will North East India burn as former Yugoslavia in the 1990s ? On this hypothetical day, Irabot�s picture covered with too much fingerprints won�t be useful. �He was a pioneer for everything�, MAFYF�s president explains. So, the area will see new pioneers... maybe female pioneers, because of the women activists seeking appeasement and peace there. Irabot�s most appropriate location � he has been too much used �post mortem� � is in history, or in the folklore section. No longer in politics. This Irabot celebration must come to an end.

Working Style

Vanguard Leader: Com. Sinthouba Meitei will be the Leader of the Vanguard Manipur and Com. Lanthoiba can assist him and 2nd Leader and He also will be the Unit Co ordinator.

Unit Leader: There will be Four Units and one Unit leader for each and every Units.

Vanguard Correspondence Center: Com. Naokhomba will be the chief of Vanguard Information Center (VCC). One individual in each and every Village is expected to be part of the Vanguard Correspondence Center. VCC chief will submit daily report or urgent reports to Com. Lanthoiba who also the 2nd Leader of the Vanguard Manipur.

Manipur Vanguard Flag

A yellow star inside a yellow circle on the red flag is the respected flag of Manipur Vanguard, a special team of Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF). Manipur Vanguard is a team choosing among the members from MAFYF. They are specially assign for the specific purposes like fighting against corruption, Fighting against Injustices, social ills and Injustices. Manipur Vanguard always ready to fight against anti people policies. Manipur Vanguard is a team who are sacrifice their soles for their Motherland. We encourage and expected more youths to comes forward and sacrifice their lives for Manipuri Nation. We love Fight. We love any kind of Challenges. We are ready for A Great Manipuri Nation.