Imphal: The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) observed the 59th Chaklam Chongchat (Hunger Marchers’ Day) on Tuesday, commemorating the mass public agitation against the artificial scarcity of rice in the state on August 27, 1965. The protest, which resulted in the tragic deaths of four student leaders at the hands of security forces, remains a pivotal moment in Manipur’s history.
As in previous years, thousands of students from various colleges gathered at Pishum Chinga Macha to pay homage to the fallen student leaders by offering floral tributes at their memorials.
A large rally followed, with participants marching through the streets of Imphal. The event drew many former student leaders, meira paibis (women torchbearers), and senior citizens, reflecting the deep significance of the day in the state’s collective memory.
Fifty-nine years ago, amidst widespread suffering caused by an artificial rice shortage, a large crowd of students and citizens marched toward the residence of then-Chief Commissioner Baleshwar Prasad to protest. In a bid to control the unrest, security personnel opened fire, killing four student leaders and injuring many others.
The four martyrs—Waikhom Nilamani, Oinam Nabakumar, Nongmeikapam Pramodini, and Laishram Chaobhal—sacrificed their lives for the cause. Their deaths laid the foundation for the formation of AMSU, which has continued to observe this day every year in their honor.
