Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: MAYOL’s calls for national regeneration has spread far and wide among the people of the state Manipur as its long march entered its 10th day today, covering almost 550 km. The marchers received a warm reception from the people of Andro in Imphal East district, who shouted slogans to strengthen the unity of the people as they reached Andro Santhel Nature Park this morning.
A public meeting was held at Andro Santhel Nature Park, attended by the people of Andro. The meeting was attended by Rk Nimai, Retd IAS, and Ch. Bijoy, a socio political commentator, as resource persons and other Civil Society Organisation leaders.
Speaking at the meeting, Ch. Bijoy, the socio-political commentator, mentioned the Chinese revolution under Mao Zedong, where one lakh of the Red Army first marched over 11,000 kilometers from October 16, 1934, to 1936. Only 8,000 marchers survived the enemy’s attacks during that march. The remaining 8,000 Red Army soldiers reorganized the revolution and succeeded after 18 years of struggle. He said, “After this MAYOL’s long march, people need to organize a second long march to Koubru Hill and Thangjing Hill with lakhs of people.” Koubru Hill and Thangjing Hill are sacred places for the Meitei people, and it is the Meitei people who can preserve and protect them, as the government of Manipur remains a silent spectator, Bijoy said.
RK Nimai commended the MAYOL long marchers for their efforts to make people understand the importance of understanding today’s politics. He also appreciated the youth of Manipur for their efforts to improve the state’s economy.
From Andro Santhel Nature Park, the MAYOL volunteers will march towards Lamlai. A public meeting will be held at Lamlai Nongada Kameng Playground in the afternoon. They will spend the night at Bikom High School and Kameng Upper Primary School, Lamlai Nongada of Imphal East.
MAYOL’s long march began on December 20 from Kangla and will conclude on January 9 at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Memorial Park, Langthabal Kunja, covering over 600 km in all five districts of Manipur.
