Union Jack hoisting at Kangla in 1891 remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 27 2011: The day, on which the Union Jack was hoisted at Kangla after pulling down the Pakhangba flag following the defeat of the then Kingdom of Manipur in the hands of the British in the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891 was remembered today by various civil organisations.

The International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) observed the day as "Dark Day" for the 13th time in a function held at MDU, Yaiskul Policelines while it was observed as Occupancy Day by the Occupancy Observation Committee at GM Hall.

Health & Family Welfare minister, L Jayentakumar graced the 13th 'Dark Day' of IPSA as chief guest.

IPSA president Ch Shankar presided over the function in which MANITRON chairman, MLA Dr Kh Ratan attended as guest of honour.

Talks on the accounts of the historic hoisting of the Union Jack at Kangla by resource persons like Prof N Joykumar of History Department of MU and Dr Dhanabir Laishram of the Political Science Department, MU were the main highlights of the function.

Jayentakumar said that the last war of independence was fought with a firm commitment against the British and the Manipuri warriors sacrificed their lives for the sake their motherland.

He reminded the people of today are the sons of courageous forefathers.

"We should follow the sacrificing spirit and courage of our forefathers while remembering the day," he said.

Resource person, Prof N Joykumar recalled the fall of the then kingdom of Manipur to the hands of the British in 1891 and said that disunity among the princes of the then kingdom was the main reason behind the defeat of the Manipuris.

The unity of the people is still a question to be answered he said asserting that the society is in a crucial stage as it is hurtling towards extinction.

People participate in big issues from time to time, though they forget it the next moment.

Womenfolk raise their voice when a woman is raped by alleged armymen.

At the same time, they participate in a Thabal Chongba organized by the army on the next day.

If the attitude of the people do not change, the society will march on the verge of extinction, he worried.

Prof Dhanabir Laishram said that it would be a major concern when one thinks twice about the crimes and violence of various intensities which has occurred in the state.

He said, India's freedom struggled reached its high peak when soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) under Netaji Subhaschandra Bose and Japanese soldiers arrived at the state and hoisted the national flag at Moirang.

Considering the present situation and fact that this state has witnessed many historic events of world importance, Prof Dhanabir said, "In fact, it is a must to think over whether we are a living dead people" .

The day was also observed as "Occupancy Day" at GM Hall by the Occupancy Observation Committee.

Tamenglong ADC chairman Soihem Haomei lit the inaugural lamp of the observance function.

Imphal East Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha Bimola, selection grade lecturer, Inakhunbi, Mangisana and M Kirti were in the podium of the observance function.

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