UCM urges PM to install statue of Maharaj Kulachandra at Mt Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 24 2022:
United Committee of Manipur (UCM) has reportedly submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging installation of life size statue of Maharaj Kulachandra and development of memorial sites of other war heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri war, who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1981, at Mount Manipur in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Speaking to media persons at its Lamphelpat office on Friday, UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam recalled that seven Britishers including five officers were killed by the people for interfering in the affairs of Manipur and subsequently, the British declared Anglo-Manipuri War on March 31, 1891.Later, Manipur was defeated and the Union Jack hoisted at Kangla on April 27.In connection with the killing of the seven British officers, a three-man tribunal of the British regime exiled 23 Manipuris including the then ruler Maharaj Kulachandra to Kalapani (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
"Our ancestors never surrendered in-spite of being defeated," Joychandra said with pride, while stating that respecting the valiant Manipuri forefathers is a duty of the people of Manipur.
The memorandum submitted to PM included demand for installing a life size statue of Maharaj Kulachandra Dhaja Singh; developing memorial sites for the war heroes; construction of a rest house or guest house at Mt Manipur for visitors or descendants of freedom fighters of Manipur and neighbouring states; and replacing the present signboard inscribed as 'Manipur Parvat National Park' with 'Mt Manipur National Park'.
Joychandra further informed that delegates of UCM also submitted a memorandum to CM N Biren and the latter also assured of translating their demands into action.