The controversial insurgent organizations, Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK) and National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT), marked by their illegal activities in Tripura and Manipur, have declared a full cessation of activities across both North-Eastern states on October 15, 2019. These groups claim that the unification of these states with the Indian Union was enforced, rather than voluntary. NLFT, for instance, was proscribed as lawmakers enacted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 1997, followed by the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).
Historical Background: Manipur’s Merger with India
Rewinding to the events prior to August 15, 1947, peaceful discussions had led the majority of states sharing borders with the emerging boundaries of India, to the Indian Union. The leaders of these states signed an agreement known as the ‘Instrument of Accession,’ effectively indicating their state’s consent to enter the Union of India.
As India stood on the threshold of independence, Manipur’s ruler, Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh, inked the Instrument of Accession, lured by the promise that the central governance of Manipur would remain autonomous. Increased public demand led the Maharaja to host elections in Manipur in June 1948, transitioning the state to a constitutional monarchy. Consequently, Manipur earned the accolade of being the first region of India to host an election rooted in universal adult suffrage.
This democratic development spurred significant debates within Manipur’s Legislative Assembly over the proposed merger with India. However, the Indian Government successfully convinced the Maharaja to sign a Merger Agreement in September 1949, sidestepping the democratically-elected Legislative Assembly of Manipur.
Historical Background: Tripura’s Merger with India
Tripura, another princely state, was incorporated into the Indian Union on November 15, 1949. The state’s previous monarch, Bir Bikram, passed away on May 17, 1947, right before India achieved independence. His son, Kirri Bikram Mannikya, then a minor, was declared the heir to the throne but could not execute his royal duties due to his age. The queen regent, Kanchan Prabha, assumed control of the kingdom’s governance. She played a crucial role in aligning the Kingdom of Tripura with the Indian Union.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Before Aug 15, 1947 | Most states contiguous to India’s new borders join the Indian Union |
| June 1948 | Manipur becomes a constitutional monarchy after holding elections |
| Sept 1949 | Merger Agreement signed between Manipur and Indian Government |
| Nov 15, 1949 | Tripura merges with Indian Union |
The Outlawed Groups’ Standpoint
Unlawful organizations argue that the respective merger agreements were signed under duress by the reigning authorities, whose command was questionable. They maintain that the king of Manipur was rendered a ‘mere figurehead’ post the instatement of an elected legislature and government. Similarly, they contend that the ‘questionable legitimacy’ of Tripura’s queen regent became evident post the unilateral dissolution of the council of regency.
In essence, these insurgent groups claim that the merger of the two states was a ‘pure miscalculation’ fueled by ‘unrealistic comprehension’ that the soon-to-be Dominion of India would evolve into a loose confederation of states and provinces, akin to the setup under British colonial India.
Source: TH
