Exiled Anglo-Manipuri war heroes remembered
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 23 2021:
Floral tributes were offered to the Shahid Minar near BT Road here on Tuesday to remember the 130th anni versary of the brave heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891 including Maharaj Kullachan dra and others who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Island after being taken prisoners of war by the British.
Speaking on the occasion Langthabal AC MLA Karam Shyam assured that he would be urging the state government for a state-level remembrance of those who were exiled after the war.
Attending the solemn function organised by United Chongthas as chief guest, MLA Karam Shyam stressed the need for the present generation to learn and remember the his tory of the state.
Apart from the soldiers who died in the war, people who were exiled also deserved the recognition of being heroes.
Manipur has been able to maintain its territorial integrity till date due to the efforts and sacrifices of our forefathers.
By ignoring their sacrifices, we are only ushering in the demise of the state.
Karam Shyam also emphasised the need for tracing the origins of the said heroes, adding that the official records alone cannot be taken as the basis.
Their descendents could also have additional records which could help in preparing a full archive, pointed out.
On the other hand, Organising Committee convenor Ch Tomba said that after Manipur was captured by the British, Maharaj Kullachandra and 22 others were exiled and reached Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands on November 23 of that year.
Although the government has never observed the day in remembrance of the heroes who were exiled, Tomba drew the attention of the government so as to observe the event at state level in the future.
The observance was attended by Department of Economics, Manipur University Prof Ch Priyoranjan Singh as president.
Later, a souvenir was released.
On the other hand, Intellectual Forum of North East, Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti Manipur and Indian Institute of Public Administration, Manipur Chapter jointly observed the 2nd Remembrance of exiled Anglo-Manipuri War heroes, at the Court Hall of Manipur University on Tuesday.
The observance was attended by MU Vice Chancellor Prof Naorem Lokendra Singh and retired IAS officer and NE Scholars editor Rk Nimai as presidium members.