The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has started observing the 46th Realization Month, from March 17, under the theme “Realize to Save the Indigenous People of Manipur.” The observance will continue till April 17.
The month-long observance aims to raise awareness on issues related to the protection of indigenous identity, demographic changes, and the influx of outsiders into the state. AMSU stated that various programs, including seminars, public meetings, campaigns, competitions, and rallies, will be organized across Manipur.
Speaking at the launch, AMSU President Lukram Malangba recalled the historic movements of 1980 and 1994, when the union spearheaded agitations against the influx of outsiders in Manipur and across India. He noted that the continued presence and influx of such populations remain a serious concern today.
He also paid tribute to two student leaders, Potshangbam Premananda (Lukhoi) and Huidrom Lokendra, who lost their lives during the “Go Back Foreigners” movement. In their memory, AMSU has been observing April 17 every year as “Realization Day.”
The observance will conclude on April 17 with a public gathering and commemorative events, reaffirming the collective commitment to safeguard the rights and identity of the indigenous people of Manipur.
AMSU has been observing the Realisation Day, or Meekap Thokpa Numit, in remembrance of the sacrifices made by two students during the “Go Back Foreigners” movement in 1980.
On April 16 and 17, 1980, two students were killed in the firing by security force personnel in their efforts to control an uprising of the students demanding the putting in place of a mechanism to regulate entry of migrants into the state. On the occasion, the student body renewed its pledge to fight against any policy infringing the rights, cultures, traditions, heritages, and languages of the indigenous people of the region.
