Colonization of Manipur re-visited on Dark Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2019: The International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and the Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War, 1891 Martyrs & Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak (Manipur) today observed the 21st Dark Day in memory of the day (April 27, 1891) when Manipur lost her independence to the British empire.

The commemorative function held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound was opened with offering of floral tributes to the martyrs and heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891 .

Prof W Nabakumar, IPSA president Joychandra Konthoujam, JN Manipur Dance Academy Director L Upendra Sharma and Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War 1891 chairman H Ibotombi Khuman attended the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Colonization of Manipur re-visited on Dark Day

Speaking at the gathering, Prof Nabakumar said that all Nations or communities faced defeats as well as highs and lows at different points of time in their history.

Such phases of defeats and lows are termed as historical trauma, he said.

There are three landmark phases of historical trauma in the history of Manipur.

The first historical trauma was religious colonisation of Manipur which was followed by the British occupation of the kingdom and third, the current experience of neo-colonialism in the aftermath of the merger of Manipur into the Indian Union with high hopes, Prof Nabakumar said.

It is essential to ponder over these dark phases of history.

It is said that history makes a man wise and bitter past experiences can teach a Nation or community to choose right path for the future, he said.

He said that IPSA and Justice Committee were observing the Dark Day to create awareness among youngsters and students about the bitter historical phases of Manipur so as to revitalise a strong sense of nationalism, particularly in view of the waning sense of nationalism, dilution of cultural heritage and the growing threats to identity and survival.

Observation of the Dark Day in memory of the British occupation of Manipur is a must.

This would re-ignite new thoughts and a sense of patriotism among all the people of Manipur, he said.

It is an attempt to restore the past glory of Manipur by studying how Manipur which has a written history spanning over 2000 years lost her independence and glory, Prof Nabakumar said.

"However, we have been studying our history written by other people.

It's time our people write and study our own history", he continued.

Historian Naorem Joykumar and Assistant Prof N Sanatomba too spoke at the commemorative function.