Indian State of Manipur announces independence from India

• They said it is not safe for them to continue operating from India.
• The leaders based in United Kingdom said they will push for recognition at United Nations.

Indian state of Manipur's dissident political leaders have declared independence from India and have announced of forming a government-in-exile in Britain.

The representatives of Manipur’s King Leishemba Sanajaoba also announced formation of Manipur State Council.The Chief Minister Yamben Biren and Minister of External Affairs and Defence Narengbam Samarjit of the Manipur State Council said that now is the right time to make public the Independent Government of Manipur before the international community and seek recognition.

The leaders said that the three million Manipuri people want recognition as one of the precious native nations. However, they added that their attempts to engage with the Indian government were met with hate and hostilities. Samarjit said the exiled government would push for recognition at the United Nations (UN), local media reported.

Manipur declares Independence! pic.twitter.com/bmpgzmDs5C

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"We will seek recognition from different nations to become a UN member. We hope many of the countries will recognise our independence," he added.

The leaders of Manipur State Council said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is intolerant and believes in physical annihilation of small nations and communities for sake of Hindutva supremacy. They said it is not safe for them to continue operating from India.

The leaders also produced a document showing that His Highness the Maharaja of Manipur had authorised them by the Order No. 12 of 2013 dated the March 15, 2013 to solve the political problems of the State of Manipur.