Imphal, Oct. 19 -- Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has called for greater state autonomy and political unity in Manipur, criticising state leaders for what he described as their passive compliance with directives from the Centre.

Akoijam was speaking at a public function held on October 18 at Keishampat Keisham Leikai in Imphal to commemorate the first sitting of Manipur's first elected National Assembly in 1948.

The anniversary marks October 18, 1948, when 53 elected representatives assembled at the Darbar Hall in Imphal following elections conducted through universal adult franchise. The Assembly represented an early experiment in democratic self-governance, bringing together representatives from the hills and valley before Manipu...