Imphal, August 27 (EMN): Remembering the historic agitation launched by students’ against the artificial food scarcity in the state on this day in 1965, the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU)-one of the oldest student body in the state observed the 52nd Hunger Marchers’ Day which is better known as ‘Chaklam Khongchat’ here on Sunday.
Braving the seasonal drizzling family members of the student leaders- Oinam Nabakumar, Pramodini Devi, Laishram Chaobhan Singh and Waikhom Nillamani Singh who laid down their lives during the agitation, leaders of AMSU and students’ of educational institutions paid floral tributes in memory of the four students at the students’ memorial complex at Pishum Chingamacha,3 km south of Imphal.
Later, a procession was held with active participation from thousands of students who later converged at the DM Multipurpose Hall in Imphal for a public meeting with AMSU president Manjit Sarangthem, former presidents of AMSU N Brojendro, A Manisana and former secretary general S Khongsai and others attending as presidium members.
“Were observing the historic day in order to remember the day and also to remind that such incident of artificial scarcity of foodgrains should not be repeated in the state in the coming days,” said AMSU President Manjit Sarangthem.
Sharing a similar sentiment, former AMSU president Brojendro expressed the need to study state’s history to understand the land and its people.
AMSU Jiribam branch also observed the Hunger Marches Day by holding a public procession followed by a meeting at Jiribam higher secondary school, sources added. AMSU Jiri President Y Sanjit and former jiri unit president L Premjit attended the meeting.Meanwhile a blood donation camp was also organised at Manipur College at Singjamei in connection with the day’s historic observation.
