Tributes paid to martyrs of Thoubal Athokpam Battle of 1891
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, April 06 2026: Solemn tributes were paid to the martyrs of the historic Thoubal Athokpam Battle of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War during a commemorative programme held at the District Library-cum-Youths Centre (DLCYC) complex, Thoubal Athokpam.

The programme was jointly organised by the Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War, 1891, Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak (Manipur), and Ningthemcha Ningshing Lup.

Khangabok Assembly Constituency MLA Okram Surjakumar attended the event as chief guest, while Justice Committee chairman Joychandra Konthoujam presided as functional president.

Among the dignitaries present as guests of honour were Kangleipak Meira chief editor Wangkhemcha Shamjai, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, Sanakhya Yaiskul's grandson RK Joykumar, DLCYC Athokpam president Associate Professor Dr L Romendro, AIGA Club Athokpam vice-president Athokpam Jiten, Heikakpokpi Village Authority secretary Thamom Shailesh Tarao, and Athokpam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup advisor Athokpam Sobita.

The programme began with homage and floral tributes offered at Arong Turel and to the portraits of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against British forces, followed by a two-minute silence in honour of the departed souls.

As part of the commemoration, a blood donation camp was organised under the theme "Give Blood to Honour the Brave Martyrs of Thoubal Athokpam Battle, 1891".The initiative was jointly conducted by the organising bodies in collaboration with DLCYC Athokpam, Awonba Catering Athokpam, Lions Club Thoubal Greater Centurion, Association of Voluntary Blood Donors Manipur (Thoubal Branch), Blood Centre of District Hospital Thoubal, Manipur AIDS Control Society, and State Blood Transfusion Council, Manipur.

Several voluntary donors, both men and women, participated in the camp.

Speaking on the occasion.

MLA Okram Suijakumar highlighted the legacy of bravery and sacrifice of the people of Manipur, stating that even in the face of certain defeat, the warriors laid down their lives with courage for the motherland.

He emphasised the importance of preserving history, describing it as a mirror for society, and called for its inclusion in school curriculum to educate future generations beyond ethnic and political differences.

Justice Committee chairman Joychandra Konthoujam also underscored the need to incorporate the history of the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 in educational syllabi, stating that it would instil a deeper sense of patriotism among the youth.

He further remarked that in earlier times, people from different communities fought unitedly for the state, and stressed the need for restoring mutual trust and unity among communities, to ensure a strong and united Manipur.

The programme concluded with a renewed call to honour the sacrifices of the past while fostering unity and collective responsibility for the future.

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