They say, they were actually Village Defence Force commandos. If village volunteers are armed with such sophisticated arms how would have been arms of the actual militants and illegal Myanmarese fighters like? When videos of black clad ‘volunteers’ in full combat fatigues on Hell March in the unique Independence Day celebrations in Churachandpur Lamka ground were first posted in the social media, they said nothing about the guns being toy guns or made of wood.
Later, when voices in protest were raised in the social media they clarified they were made of wood. But such a display of ‘deadly guns’ by a people’s militia was an affront to the spirit of Independence Day. Did anyone check the ‘toy-guns’ to ascertain the authenticity of the claim made? And guess what? The manufacturers of the said toy-guns either have a lot of imagination or are up-to-date with the latest military gear and sophisticated weapons. And the ‘hell march’ drill seems too perfect for village volunteers even with special commando training. Again, who trained them?
In a bid to show off their new-found patriotism and loyalty to the Indian Union, the parade at Lamka ground on Tuesday turned out to be a mockery of the solemn occasion. This year, India is celebrating the 77th Independence Day and the government has been organising several events and programmes and to give befitting tribute to the freedom fighters.
To mark India's independence from the British rule, the Government of India started the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on March 12, 2021 and ended on August 15, 2023. As a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the government initiated many programmes like the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, selfie with with Tricolour, MyGov quiz for students, among others, to promote sense of collectiveness, brotherhood, to keep the spirit of freedom alive and to enhance the feeling of patriotism.
Manipur also celebrated the 77th Independence both in Imphal and the various districts, including Churachandpur. The Churachandpur official function was held at Peace Ground Tuibong where Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar unfurled the National Flag. Did he give permission to the organisers of Lamka ground for the occasion and if yes did he explain the standards and code governing such celebration?
There is no bar on private individuals or groups celebrating Independence Day. But, they are required to follow the law and code concerning the National flag.
On August 16, the Assam state BJP chief was booked for unfurling the national flag upside down. The code says that the (National) flag shall not be dipped in salute to any person or thing. It means showing disrespect to the flag and liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both. Yet, every contingent who took part in the Lamka ground parade dipped the National Flag when they saluted the ‘VVIP’ taking the salute. Are they doing it out of ignorance or in defiance?
At least, if they wanted to celebrate Independence Day they should have consulted people in the know. Or they should have their own flag like everyone does during such national events. It seems the ‘Village Defence Force’ or whatever they call it is here to stay and they should at least design a flag of their own for the future events. Otherwise it will be a tamasha every time they celebrate the national event.
Even the National Anthem was sung in a strange way. We know, many among the Kuki-Zo community are angry with Home Minister Amit Shah for his statement blaming the infiltrators from Myanmar as a cause of the present conflict. Is that why the National Flag code was violated deliberately?
