Dark Day observed in memory of 'lost' sovereignty
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2015 : The 17th Dark Day was observed today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound under the aegis of the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) in commemoration of the historical event where British invaders removed the Manipuri National flag embossed with the Pakhangba Paphal and hoisted the Union Jack at Kangla.

The Dark Day was also observed at Thoubal and Bishnupur and at all these places floral tributes were paid to the martyrs and soldiers who fought against the British forces.

Addressing the gathering at Lamyanba Shanglen, titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba pointed out that Manipur/Kangleipak was an independent kingdom but Kangla, the ancient kingdom's administrative centre was brought under British occupation after the Anglo-Manipur War on April 27, 1891 .

At 7 am of the same day, the Manipuri National flag was taken down and the Union Jack was unfurled in its place.

It was a gloomy event which had far reaching consequences.

Before the Anglo-Manipur War, Manipur was kept under Burmese occupation for seven years known as the Seven Years Devastation in the history of Manipur.

After British rulers left Manipur in 1949, Manipur was brought under India, a new Nation which took shape under British colonial rule and came into being after the departure of British rulers from the Indian sub-continent, Sanajaoba said.

The Seven Years Devastation as well as the Anglo-Manipur War were largely results of disunity among Manipuri princes.

Manipur's sovereignty usurped by British imperialists in 1891 was restored in 1947 .

"But just after two years and a few months, it became a big question whether Manipur is independent or not", Sanajaoba remarked.

Before the British rulers left Manipur, they advised Manipuri people to keep Manipur as a separate, independent country.

They also kept open the option to merge Manipur with any other country.

It is not advisable to overlook history.

The State Government has been deliberately misinterpreting history by claiming that all commemorative functions of Anglo-Manipur War and associated events are being observed in remembrance of the momentous roles shouldered by Manipuri people in the freedom struggle of India.

Manipur never existed under India, asserted the titular king.

Prof N Joykumar said that the fate of Manipur was not decided by Khongjom War or Mayangkhang War.

It was on April 27 Manipur lost is sovereignty, not on April 23 or April 25 .

"Our illiterate forefathers fought to the last man to safeguard the sovereignty of Manipur.

Today we are educated but we cannot work collectively even on a single mission.

Even if the Government adopted a wrong date, the same should be reviewed again and the commemorative function should be observed on the correct date", Prof Joykumar said.

IPSA president Kh Chingkhei Luwang remarked that Manipuri people knew that Britain was the most powerful country then.

Still they fought to the last man so that the future generations can learn a lesson.

"The Anglo-Manipur War taught us that we should live with freedom and dignity", Chingkhei said.

Leaders of many civil society organisations spoke at the gathering.

They elaborated on how a tiny kingdom of Manipur fought against the mighty British empire, knowing fully well that Manipur would definitely lose the war.

Yet thought valiantly till the last man for nothing was more dear to Manipuri people than freedom.

Meanwhile, the 16th Maleshna Khudum Chanshinkhiba Ningshing Thouram was observed today at Rupmahal Theatre, BT Road here today under the aegis of the Maleshna Meitrabak Loushinkiba Ningsing Luplen.

Veterinary Director Saroja, retired IPS S Khoirenthaba, Padmasree Dr M Kriti and Maleshna Meitrabak Loushinkiba Ningsing Luplen president Dr N Ibohal Meitei attended the function as presidium members.

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