Sanity, unity calls mark Dark Day observance
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2013 : International peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) today organised the 15th Dark Day observance at MDU Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane today in commemoration of the day Manipur lost its independence.

The commemorative function was marked by the gathering paying obeisance to the numerous Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives.

Delivering the key-note address, IPSA secretary general Kh Mangoljao recounted that at 7 am of April 27, 1891 the Union Jack of the british empire replaced the mythical Pakhangba-emblazoned flag of Manipur inside Kangla fort, the fortress cum capital of the then independent Manipur (Kangleipak) .

Inspite of imminent defeat at the hands of the invading British forces, who arrived mainly from three directions namely Thibomei (present-day Nagaland State capital Kohima), Tongjei Maril and Tamu (Myanmar), poorly-equipped Manipuri soldiers fought valiantly to protect the Manipuri kingdom but eventually had to concede defeat to the mighty british empire, Mangoljao highlighted.

Dignitaries during the observance

While a number of royal family members too laid down their lives in battles against the british forces, there were also large number of unknown manipuri soldiers who sacrificed for the nation, maintained the secretary general while affirming that present-day as well as the future generation of Manipur would remain forever indebted to the brave Manipuri forefathers.

In his address as the chief guest, MLA N Biren strongly advocated involvement of the younger generation in such historic observances as commitment, determination and sacrifice of the forefathers should continue to inspite the future pillars of the society.

Reminding that Manipur lost its independence consequent to internal disputes within the royal family members with the common citizens as well as the royal family made to ultimately pay a heavy price, he observed that undesired events leading to the British occupation should be lesson for future generation that unity and peace are foremost for Manipur's progress.

Expressing strong resentment that an individual facilitated occupation/possession of Government land by the Assam Rifles near Moreh, Biren asserted that identifying and weeding out such unscrupulous individuals from the society need to be accorded more importance rather than blaming the politicians for misfortunes besetting the common people.

In case politicians fail to live upto the expectation the electors will eventually get the right to replace the MLA but it would be a huge challenge if the number of unscrupulous individuals increases, cautioned the former Minister with a similar note of caution that civil societies and department concerned should take joint initiative to check sale of fertile land for non-agricultural activities.

Urging human rights activists to contribute their mite in making the security forces aware of the citizens' rights, he further pointed out that role and effort of civil society organisations would be most crucial when the rail-line project is completed and connects Imphal.

Senior journalist-turned social activist RK Ranendrajit speaking at the commemorative event, opined that mere granting of right to vote do not mean people of Manipur are free citizens as they (people) continue to suffer from excesses committed by security forces under the immunity granted by the repressive Armed Forces' Special Powers Act 1958 .

Among others FREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani, UCM president Y Nabachandra, Manipur University's History Department professor N Joykumar and IPSA president Elangbam Johnson also commented that socio-political condition of Manipuris had been regretful since losing its independent status.

They strongly advocated continuous people's movement for total scrapping of pro-military Acts in order to facilitate the people live in a secure environment.