IMPHAL April 24: The RPF in a press statement signed by its publicity secretary T Leishemba has rubbished the statementsmade by the Chief Minister O Ibobi during the Khongjom day observation.
The release stated that the comments made by the CM in regard to attainment of independence and sovereignty are fictional and made to mislead the general public.
Referring to historical events, the RPF stated that Manipur was a princely state but was forcibly annexed on October 1949 as Budhachandra was made to sign the Shillong Accord. At that time there was neither constitution nor governance in India, but a form of government was already there in Manipur and the king had handed over the power to the public thus, the Manipur Merger Agreement is illegal and none can claim otherwise.
The CM needs to under stand certain things first that the size and population of a nation is immaterial in demanding independence, but depends on the wishes of the populace. If the public of Manipur wants to be independent then no force on Earth can stop it, the defeat of the USA at the hands of Cuba and Vietnam are ample proof, it states.
The state has a history of 200 years of independence and the baseless statements of the CM will have scant effect. It is understood that the CM to retain his power has to speak something, but words ridiculing the sentiments of the public should not be made, the release stated.
Further, the CM is working in the interest of India and not a real government with the aim for the betterment of the public. The RPF only wants an independent nation under a democratic rule by its own people, the release concluded.
