MLA Arunkumar urges caution
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 27 2023:
Wangkhei Assembly Constituency MLA Thangjam Arunkumar has expressed apprehension that certain "forces" might wipe out the indigenous communities in the State and bring about a repeat of the "Seven Years Devastation' and urged the people to exercise caution.
He was speaking at the 25th Dark Day Observation 2023 organised by the Dark Day Observation Committee, International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) held today at GM Hall.
During the ceremony, a two-minute silence was observed in honour of the bravehearts of the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 along with the offering of a floral tribute.
Aside from this, simple gifts were presented to the families of the courageous warriors.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Thangjam Arunkumar stated that the time is ripe for people to think about the numerous indigenous communities living in the State and their safety.
"There is no guarantee that dark periods like the 'Seven Years Devastation' will not occur again.
As such, we must safeguard our communities and be prepared to make sacrifices for the motherland", he said.
He stated that the erstwhile kingdom of 'Kangleipak' was an independent kingdom in South East Asia.
However, the kingdom lost its sovereignty twice.
The first instance was during the Seven Years Devastation period and the second was after facing defeat against the British forces in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 .
In the aftermath of the war, the British forces occupied Kangla and the Union Jack was hoisted replacing the flag of the independent kingdom of Manipur on April 27, 1891 .
It is this day that IPSA has observed as Dark Day for decades, he added.
Delivering the presidential speech, Tourangbam Birjit, president, IPSA highlighted the significance of the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 in the history of Manipur and the importance for the youth to be aware of such historical events.
The IPSA president also urged the State Government to include the Anglo-Manipuri War,1891 in the syllabus of school children as part of their basic foundation.
Further, he made a call for renovation of the few memorial sites dedicated to the heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri War, such as the site at Manao Ching in Kakching and the one at Laimaton.
He urged the State Government to explore the ways in which these sites can be upgraded and appealed to them to take up the necessary steps.