By Dr Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Md Alimuddin, the first Chief Minister of Manipur after it attained statehood, was remembered on the 42nd foundation day of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Centre, which later developed into Manipur University (MU).
Md Alimuddin had laid the foundation stone of the Centre on November 19, 1972.
The foundation day was organized by The Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Political Forum (PPF), Manipur at the Centenary Hall of the University at Canchipur.
Secretary of PPF M I Khan said, “Md Alimuddin was one of the leading politicians of the state who was known for his secular ideals, political acumen and farsightedness. He was not highly educated but he had immense knowledge and wisdom of running the state. During his tenure he instituted some of the important institutions, which include JNU Centre for Post Graduate, the first institute of higher education in the state and a Regional Medical College, a premier health institute.”
The Regional Medical College became the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) later.
“However, it is very unfortunate that both the institutions fail to recognise the contribution of Md Alimuddin. We have been requesting MU authorities to observe the foundation day by giving befitting tribute to the departed leader. But the university has not responded. PPF had been observing the foundation day of JNU Centre since 2012. Our body had also requested the MU authorities to name a significant site or building within the MU campus after Md Alimuddin. It is also not fulfilled,” Khan added.
The function was attended by MLA Th Shyam Kumar; Retd Chief Engineer (IFCD) and president of PPF Azizul Haque Khan; Retd IAS and chief advisor of PPF A R Khan; former minister Md Alauddin; registrar of MU N Lokendro Singh; former Speaker Dr Maneruddin Sheikh; president of United Committee Manipur Y Nabachandra Singh; president of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organization Dr Y Mani Singh; advisor PPF (Women Society Manipur) Sitara Begum and advisor of LSPMU, Canchipur A K Aviram. The function was attended by a large number of people from various parts of the state. Dignitaries and those present gathered to pay floral tribute at the foundation stone of the JNU Centre, laid by Md Alimuddin.
Muslim candidates who cleared the different recruitment exams conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission in 2014 and appointed as MCS, MPS, MFS, doctors and engineers were felicitated at the function.
Brief bio of Md Alimuddin:
Md Alimuddin was elected from the Lilong Assembly Constituency in the first Legislative Assembly election held in 1948 and became a member of the Council of Ministers taking charge of Jail and Medical departments. He was also elected in the subsequent Assembly/Electoral College/Council elections held in 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972 and 1974.
A government led by the regional party, Manipur People’s Party (MPP), was formed soon after Manipur attained statehood in 1972. Md Alimuddin, who was the leader of MPP, was made Chief Minister in March 1972. However, the government was short lived; it was dissolved in March 1973. Mid-term election was held in 1974 and MPP again managed to form the government with the support of other parties. Md Alimuddin was again made the Chief Minister. This time the government lasted for just four months (March to July 1974).
Later, Md Alimuddin became Speaker (December 1974 to September 1975) in the R K Dorendro’s government. He also served as Finance Minister (June 1977 to November 1979) in the Yangmaso Shaiza’s ministry.
During his tenure as Chief Minister of Manipur for just around 16 months, Md Alimuddin laid the foundation of most of the premier institutes of the state. He inaugurated Manipur Medical College at Lamphel in Imphal West District on May 22, 1972. In September that same year, the college was upgraded as the Regional Medical College.
The JNU Centre that he founded developed into a state university, then to a central university in 2005.
Md Alimuddin inaugurated the Manipur Public Service Commission on October 23, 1972 along with the then Governor of Manipur B K Nehru. He also instituted the Law Commission and Board of Secondary Education, Manipur in 1972. He erected many dams and irrigation facilities and introduced double-cropping in the state.
Born in 1920 at Lilong Haoreibi Turel Ahanbi, Lilong, in Thoubal district, Md Alimuddin passed away on February 3, 1983 at the age of 63.