British's attack on Kangla in 1891 recalled
Lessons to learn from the past stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 24 2025: The Britishers' attack on Kangla on March 24, 1891 was remembered with a floral tribute to exiled freedom fighters at Bir Tikendrajit Park, Kangjeibung today.

Organised by the Justice Committee on Anglo Manipuri War 1891, Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak, the remembrance day observance was attended by renowned Historian Professor Naorem Joykumar, independent researcher Professor K Yugindro Singh and chairman of the organising committee, Joychandra Konthoujam.

Angomcha Chingsubam Laicha, descendant of Jamadar Chingshuba Ningthouba, and Maisnam Ibochouba, descendant of Luwang Ningthou Col Maisnam Samu attended the observance as guests of honour.

British's attack on Kangla in 1891 recalled

Speaking on the occasion, Historian Prof Naorem Joykumar stressed that Manipuris should learn valuable lessons from the past history and unite to protect and safeguard Manipur.

Joykumar said the public as well as the people in the Government must find common platforms to work collectively towards protecting Manipur's integrity.

"There must be compromise on differences among us" to work together as a common force to save Manipur, he said.

Joykumar recalled that the mighty British were defeated by the brave Manipur army on this day in 1891 .

When the British launched a surprise attack on Kangla on March 24, 1891, the brave Manipuri soldiers defeated them, and 5 of their officers were beheaded before the Kangla Sha.

This was also a cause for the Anglo-Manipur war which led to Manipur's defeat, he said.

One of the main reasons for Manipur's defeat in the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891 was the division between the royal bloods.

The princes as well as their subjects were deeply divided and this was exploited by the British to defeat Manipur, Joykumar said.

The seven years of devastation is also a prime example for Manipur's defeat due to rivalry and differences among the royal families and their subjects, he added.

Even during the ongoing conflict, there were differences and competitions between the elected leaders for the "chair".

This further plunged the State into a deeper turmoil and led to the suffering of the people, Joykumar asserted.

"Differences and division among us" would bring "our own demise" as a community.

Now is not the time for pushing or imposing one's own agenda.

A common platform must be devised for all to work together and build unity, Joykumar added.

He reiterated that the people as a whole must understand the history and learn lessons from it.

Professor Joykumar expressed concern that Meiteis would not be the majority community in Manipur in the near future.

"When Meiteis become a minority, Manipur's united structure, its integrity may gradually degrade," Joykumar said, stressing the importance of conserving Meiteis' identity and culture.

Chairman of Justice Committee on Anglo Manipuri War, 1891 Martyrs & Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak, Joychandra Konthoujam said King Kullachandra declared war against the British on March 25, 1891, a day after 5 British officers were beheaded for attacking Kangla.

On April 27, 1891, the British removed the flag bearing Pakhangba from Kangla and Manipur became their colony.

On the charge of waging war against the Queen, King Kullachandra and many individuals were exiled to Kalapani and Sylhet, Joychandra said.