Manipur Govt. Declaration of 'Easter Sunday' as Working Day Reflects Broader Neglect and Disrespect Towards State's Diverse Communities

Manipur government excludes March 31(Sunday) from ‘working day’ in new order following condemnations by tribal bodies on the previous order.

The government of Manipur on Thursday partially modified its recent order regarding the declaration of March 30 and 31 as working day for all government offices in Manipur including the public sector undertakings/ corporations/ autonomous bodies/ societies.

Aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of government offices in the state, the Governor of Manipur on March 27 c had declared March 30 and 31, 2024, Saturday and Sunday, as working days.

However, the order received criticism and condemnation from different tribal student bodies in the State with reasons that March 31(Sunday) is ‘Easter Sunday’ which is a significant day for the Christian community.

The new order issued in the name of Governor by Deputy Secretary General Administration Department, Manipur Angom Hera Singh on Thursday stated that only March 30 (Saturday) will be a working day.

Earlier, the All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) wrote to the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey, requesting her to withdraw state government order of declaring March 31, 2024 (Easter Sunday) as a working day.

In its letter to the governor ANSAM stated, “the Association would like to request you to kindly withdraw the aforementioned order of declaring 31st March, 2024 (Easter Sunday) as the working days considering its significance and in the interests of all the Christians in the state as such biased concern, unilateral decision and unconstitutional order from the competent authority could rekindle the bitter sentiments of Christians in the state and incite undesirable protests from various concern organizations.”

In its letter to the Governor on March 27, ANSAM stated “At a time when our democracy is going through troubled times in the state, it is very astonishing and unfortunate to come across such unconstitutional Order Vide No. L/B-101/1/2022-GAD- GAD-Part(1) from the Governor declaring 31st March, 2024 (Sunday) as the working days for all govt. offices including Public sector undertakings/Corporations/ Autonomous bodies/ Societies under the state govt. of Manipur in the pretext of smooth functioning of offices in the last few days of the financial year (2023-24) and deliberately targeting the Christians in the state.”

Other civil/church organizations such as the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me, the apex student body of the Poumai tribe, Senapati District Catholic Union and the Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association have also condemned the Governor’s Order declaring ‘Easter Sunday’ as working day for all government offices.

The recent declaration of ‘Easter Sunday’ has marred the very spiritual significance of the day – which symbolizes forgiveness, hope, redemption and a new beginning. The insensitivity of Manipur state government to declare the day as working day has raised doubts about the state government’s sincerity in valuing the principles of diversity and religious freedom.

The ‘unconstitutional order’ has also violated the meaning of secularism given in the constitution of a democratic country as 31 March, 2024 (Sunday) is an Easter Sunday and one of the most significant days for the Christians in the world to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If the government cites declaring ‘Easter Sunday’ as working day due to last days of financial year (2023- 2024) for declaring ‘Easter Sunday’ as working days, then why don’t they include one of the two days which they declared holiday on March 25 & 26 due to Yaoshang festival instead of including a ‘Easter Sunday’ which a sacred day for Christian community? This only shows their neglect and disregard for other communities and their faith.

Even the state of Meghalaya extended working day on March 30, Saturday, which usually is general holiday on another occasion, due to closing of financial year. They however excluded 31st March due to ‘Easter Sunday.’ This is the level of inclusive government who shows respect towards all forms of faith and religion.

A nation with a robust democratic character requires a strong and effective implementation of the fundamental rights given in the constitution. However, at present, due to certain biased political interference, citizens are deprived of their fundamental rights which is a dangerous trend in the democracy leading to the collapse of the system in the administration.

The move is seen not just an affront to the Christian community in Manipur but to all who value the principles of diversity and religious freedom. It reflects a broader pattern of neglect and disrespect towards the people of Manipur, particularly women, who have endured unimaginable suffering amidst ongoing turmoil.

By targeting such a sacred occasion, the Meitei centric government has revealed its indifference to the people’s need for solace, unity, and peace in times of hardship. This decision contradicts the very essence of governance, which is to uplift and support every section of society, especially those in minority and vulnerable positions.