The Manipuri Nation
- III
By Waikhom Damodar Singh
While I have been all along anxious to give reasonable Government I have been sincerely watching as to the practicability of the Constitution Act, I now bring it to the mind of the people that I had transferred my powers and responsibilities other than those of the Constitutional ruler to the State Council since July 1, 1947 before the lapse of British paramountcy and since then I have remained as a Constitutional ruler. But most of the innocent, as they are, have been imputing to me the actions of the Council. My only earnest wish is to see a more prosperous Manipur.
On this historic occasion I also take this opportunity to say something about the historical background of Manipur.
To begin with, I feel a sudden emotion in my heart; I mean the sweet reminiscences of the past history of Manipur. Let the patriots fight for today. I will see that yesterday shines once more before the people ignorant of the beauty of yesterday. I am sure; a look back to the history of our land will at once inspire your mind towards greater and nobler deeds to prove your worth as worthy fathers. Lo! The sweet and green valley with the 'sweeter and greener hills around this eastern part of the land bordering Burma - the smiling land admitted as the Switzerland in the east by stranger. It is Manipur, a salubrious land of hoary antiquity - a land of gems. She was no doubt a 'star' in the eastern political firmament. Strong nations of the world cover the natural position. Such is Manipur.
Read her political history from 24 AD. She had her dominion over a wide area extending as far as the southern portion of the China in the North, the gold mines in the Sibsagar valley, the river Chindwin (Ningthi) in the east and south, and Chandrapore (Cachar) in the west. Her present area is 8,650 sq miles of the hills. Read the war operations of Maharaja Garib Niwaz (Pamheiba) in 1711 which shows how far the spirit of heroism and independence ran rampant in the veins of our forefathers. Read the Treaty of Maharaj Gourshyam and Verelst of the East India Company at Chittagong on the September 14, 1762 which shows the vast wealth and economic status of Manipur. Read the Treaty of Yandaboo dated the January 9, 1834 effected between Maharaj Gambhir Singh and the Company.
This treaty left for us a good heritage, namely the Kabo Valley of 7000sq miles for which we now get from Burma Rs 6,270 as annual tribute which according to the spirit of the terms of the agreement will cease when the area is reverted to our State. Maharaja Gambhir Singh died of disappointment of this enforced loss of territory. Sreejut Nara Singh's role in redeeming Manipur from Burma when she was devastated and dismembered for 7 years (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa) was very great. Manipur was thus by reason of her territories and economic resources, self-supporting as self-contained unit. Her sphere of influence and mercantile activities was very wide. During the British rule foreign goods gave a dulling effect to the indigenous products by dumping operations. Now is the best time to revive all these lost industries. Attempts are being made to recover the enforced losses of territories in Cachar.
Regarding the unity of hill and valley, I am quite proud to mention that all these times when Manipur was in the height of her power, Hill and the valley were one and this oneness defended Manipur against all invasions and thus she could maintain independence upto 1891 when the rest of India had already been conquered by the British. British conquest of this land resulted from relaxed unity between valley and hills. Now since the withdrawal of British paramountcy after 56 years' rule we have strengthened the union of hill and the valley and best opportunities have been presented for us to work hand in hand for the common object of progress and national prosperity.
The relation has become one of complete understanding and active sympathy and it must be so, for Manipur is one and the hopes and aspirations of hill and valley are identical. As regards financial aspects of the State I am to remind you that a strong Government means a Government with strong financial background and therefore in order to ensure finance a well thought out planning is necessary. State finance assumes threatening proportions. However, we should not be alarmed at all by it as the inexhaustible sources of her economic potentialities are already there as adequately provided by mother nature. If the entire area of the State is properly explored and sources are worked out there is every possibility of earning sufficient annual income.
For maintaining peace both externally and internally our State should be made militarily strong. In history and accounts of 1874 written by Col. Johnstone you will find that the Manipuri nation formed the best armies in the world. In the end I would like to say this that our 'guiding principles' should be that we should not forget that we are all Manipuris destined to live in Manipur and die in Manipur. Providence has bound our fates together indissolubly. I expect that everyone of you as a part of your duty will take care to acquaint with the mode of life on hills too by studying the four walls of Manipur territory for which you are now going to govern.
I wish to see you all becoming great and noble, noble not for your own sakes but for the country, to make Manipur great, a greater Manipur to enable her to stand up with head erect among the nations as she did in the past. 'Work so that Manipur may prosper, suffer that Manipur may rejoice. Unite that Manipur may be strong. Do the right that you may be brave. Whether you use pen or tongue let your hearts to pure and you resolve manly. The prosperity of a nation does not depend on the number of buildings but it depends on the number of men of character that is fine men of well-disciplined type. I shall always remain aglow with the splendor of the destiny of our peoples.
In fine, I call upon you all to take this as your 'motto' and join with me in fervent prayer for the well being of our motherland,
Manipur".
To
be continued..
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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