1947 Partition a human tragedy: Manipur Guv
Imphal, Aug 14
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday said the Partition of 1947 was not merely a territorial division but a human tragedy that resulted in immense suffering, loss of lives and displacement of millions of people.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the Partition led to the loss of countless lives and widespread destruction of property, but those who survived and reached India displayed resilience, rebuilt their lives and made a fresh beginning.
The Governor and the Chief Minister attended the observance programme on Partition Horror Remembrance Day at the Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound in Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla said the Partition of 1947 was not merely a division; it was a human tragedy.
"There are moments in the nation's history that are marked by celebrations, and there are others that call upon us to pause, remember and reflect," he said.
The Governor noted that the Government of India declared August 14 as Partition Horror Remembrance Day in 2021 to ensure that the sufferings, sacrifice and displacement endured during Partition remain part of national memory.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh highlighted the hardships faced by the people due to the Partition, which led to the loss of countless lives and widespread property damage.
He said survivors rebuilt their lives and started anew.
He recalled a remark from the documentary A New Postbox: Tales from the Partition, screened as part of the observance, which said: "Our eyes are not at the back of our heads but on our faces, reminding us to look forward rather than dwell on what has happened in the past."
The Chief Minister said he was deeply touched by concerns expressed by a group of violence‑affected Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from an area bordering Churachandpur district, who said they could return to their homes only during the daytime as they lacked confidence to stay overnight.
He added that they were deprived of opportunities to earn their livelihood.
He emphasised that the pain people feel during any crisis is the same and appealed to the people of the state to promote peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
As part of the programme, two minutes of silence was observed to pay respect to all those affected by the Partition.
The observance, organised by the Department of Arts and Culture, was attended by Ministers Khuraijam Loken Singh and Konthoujam Govindas Singh, MLAs, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, senior officials, and students, among others.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Partition horrors should never be forgotten, especially in these times when communal harmony is delicate. The Chief Minister's story about the IDPs in Manipur is poignant — people still suffering displacement today, even in our own country. We must learn from history to ensure peace everywhere. 🙏
Looking forward instead of dwelling on the past — that's a powerful line from the documentary. Both the Governor and CM spoke well. Remembrance is necessary, but the emphasis on rebuilding and resilience is what will help communities heal.
The line "our eyes are not at the back of our heads" is so relevant for Manipur too, which has faced its own ethnic violence. The CM acknowledging the IDPs' fear shows sensitivity to those still struggling. Hope real peace follows such observances and not just speeches.
Partition was indeed a human tragedy. But at the same time, I hope we also remember that many people in the North-East had a different experience of 1947 — they were not directly divided but still got affected by the fallout. Good to see Manipur's leaders reflecting on this national memory.
Respectful and thoughtful addresses from both leaders. The two-minute silence is a simple yet powerful gesture. It's important to remember the pain of Partition while also celebrating the strength of those who rebuilt from ashes.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.