Manipur Govt Declares Easter Sunday as Working Day for Govt Offices

The decision covers all Government Offices, including Public Sector Undertakings/Corporations/Autonomous Bodies/Societies under the State Government of Manipur, as per an order.The official order, numbered LIB-101/1/2022-GAD-GAD-Part(1), was issued by the Governor's Secretariat, issued by Deputy Secretary (GAD), highlighting the importance of maintaining operational continuity during the crucial final days of the Financial Year 2023-24.

Reacting strongly against this, Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me, an apex student union of Poumai Naga Tribe has expressed strong disapproval of the state government's declaration of March 30 and March 31 as working days for all government offices in Manipur.

The Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me issued a statement in condemnation of the order  and urged the government to withdraw this order promptly and demonstrate a commitment to fostering harmony and inclusivity among all religious communities.

“Anything less is utterly unacceptable and threatens the fabric of our democratic society. Let us uphold the spirit of tolerance and understanding by embracing diversity and respecting religious freedoms,” the Union stated.

The apex student union of Poumai Naga stated that they strongly disapprove the government notification declaring 30 March 30 and March 31 as "Working days" for all government offices in Manipur.

“The decision exhibits blatant negligence towards the Christian community, particularly during a time when Christians worldwide are devoutly observing the sacred Easter celebrations’, the statement added.

Stating that the Easter celebration is not merely a time for festivities but holds profound significance for prayer and familial bonding, the student union added that the government's disregard for such significant religious observance is unacceptable.

The Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me stated that it is imperative for the government to understand that governance entails respecting and accommodating the diverse religious beliefs of its citizens, not just at the convenience of one section.

The state government’s move undermines the religious freedoms and sentiments of the Christian population. The youth and student communities alongside all right-thinking individuals vehemently oppose such negligence and demand immediate revocation of this discriminatory order, the union added.

The union further added that the government's pretext of ensuring smooth office operations during the financial year-end is feeble and biased.

“If their concern truly lies in maintaining efficiency, why not designate recent nationwide celebrations like Holi or festivals like Yaoshang as working days? Why specifically encroach upon Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, globally revered days for Christians?” the statement said.

Such policy reeks of intolerance and provocation, eroding the trust of the people in the government's ability to safeguard their rights, it added.