Manipur Independence Day celebrated across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 14 2024: Commemorating the day on which Manipur gained independence, albeit briefly, from the then British dominion on August 14, 1947, several organisations across the state celebrated Manipur Independence Day on Wednesday.

United Committee Manipur (UCM) commemorated Manipur Independence Day at its Lamphel office during which a religious ceremony was performed and flag of Manipur hoisted.

In his address, UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam recalled that Manipur gained independence from the British rule a day before India did.

Though Manipur existed as an independent sovereign kingdom in Southeast Asia with over five thousand years of history, it came under the occupation of external forces twice, first by Burma (now Myanmar) from 1819-1826 in what is now known as the Seven Years' Devastation, and second, after the kingdom's defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War (March 31-April 27, 1891), that brought the erstwhile kingdom under the British for around 56 years.

April 27 continues to be observed every year as Dark Day, he added.

After gaining independence on midnight of August 14, 1947, the people of Manipur celebrated the day for three days.

In 1949, Manipur was merged to India, which the people have been voicing dissatisfaction till date.

The bravery and sacrifices of our forefathers in the struggle for freedom should never be forgotten.

It is the duty and responsibility of each one of us to protect and preserve the integrity and unity of Manipur for the future generations, especially with the current attempts made by certain elements to carve out a new state/nation from Manipur.

We all need to be united to thwart such insidious attempts to disintegrate Manipur, he stressed.

All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) also celebrated the day by hoisting the independent flag of Manipur at its Kwakeithel office on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang emphasised that the Manipur government needs to commemorate the Independence of Manipur just as it celebrates other historical dates.

He then remarked that the conflict in Manipur has been going over one-and-half years due to successive so-called representatives of the people lacking vision and vigour to oppose merger with India.

Just because India is providing periodical grants and edibles does not mean that it treats Manipur as its own, he remarked.

Nando continued that being born as a Manipuri, one should celebrate the day and cultivate courage, while informing that the day is being commemorated by AMUCO with local and district level clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi groups in over 300 places.

Celebration of the day is neither anti-national nor anti-India, but rather to offer tribute to valour of our forefathers and the very history of Manipur, he asserted.

The president further opined that people of the state are becoming increasingly restive with attitude and actions of the central government as could be comprehended from cease less peoples' movements and protests.

He then questioned why the political class is not celebrating Manipur's Independence Day, though they are rejoicing over India's and other state functions.

Nando then said that interference by central forces as and when the people try to neutralise intruders and uphold Manipur's integrity is due to Manipur not being an independent state.

If Manipur existed as a sovereign entity, attempts by Kuki militants would not have lasted three days but ended in a single day itself, he asserted.

The Meetei community is now being portrayed as timid and cowardly, due to its merger with India, he contended.

The 77th Manipur Independence Day was also celebrated by Joint Students' Coordinating Committee at Ratanku-mar Memorial (RM) School, Kwakeithel during which the Pakhangba embossed flag, which was first hoisted on August 14, 1947, was hoisted to commence the event attended by School founder Dr Kh Hillary and representatives of the student bodies under JSCC as presidium members.

Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) also celebrated the 77th Manipur Independence Day at its head office in Kwakeithel on Wednesday, with president Hijam Roshan and general secretary Sundar Khuman hoisting the Pakhangba embossed white colour flag on the occasion.

The student bodies urged for remembering the sacri fices of the forefathers, while also urging for the people to work together to bring about peace, normalcy and harmony in the state.

Imphal East District United Clubs' Organisation (IEDUCO) also celebrated 77th Manipur Independence Day at the Pu-ribi Puraba community hall in Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai on Wednesday.

The celebration was attended by IEDUCO president Takhellambam Dyujo Mangang, Sanaleibak chief editor Hemanta Ningomba and Peaceful Club (PFC) president Laishram Mangalsana Meitei as presidium members.

The Day was also commemorated by Imphal West Students' Club (Khumbong), Village Volunteer Force, Arambai Tenggol and local Meira Paibis at Khumbong in the presence of Angel Hospital paediatrician Dr Yaikhomba, among others.

Meanwhile, Manipur Youth League (MAYOL) organised a blood donation camp under the theme "Eikhoigi Anouba Lang-on gi Kathoklaba Ee" in connection with the Manipur Independence Day on Wednesday.

In all, 50 donors donated blood during the camp, a release by MAYOL publicity secretary M Premananda informed.

On the other hand, under the aegis of AMUCO, Rural United Clubs' Organisation (RUCO) celebrated the 77th Manipur Independence Day and hoisted the flag of Ibudhou Pakhangba at Phayeng Keithel on Wednesday.

The programme was attended by Phayeng Awang Leikai chief Ningthoujam Toyai; Imphal West Club Organisation president Khaidem Heramani, AMUCO vice president T Gandhi, Phayeng GP prad-han Angom Gojendro, Peace And Protection Committee Chakpa Phayeng president Angom Jeeten, RUCO president Kh Lokendro, Control Room Imphal West president Chabungbam Raghumani, RUCO Women Wing president Chungkham Pakpi and Phumlou Meira Paibi president Nongthombam Ibemhal as presidium members.

In Thoubal district, All Thoubal District United Clubs Organisation (ATDUCO) under the aegis of AMUCO celebrated Manipur Independence Day by hoisting the Ibudhou Pakhangba embossed flag at Ukhongshang Mayai Leikai Meirapaibi Shanglen on Wednesday.

KHUKAMPAL president W Maipak, ATDUCO vice president M Babutombi, Ukhongshang Ward No 8 councillor K Hemolata Devi, NEEPC member M Sanjukumar and Meira Paibi members Kh Chaobi Devi and Th Amutombi attended the celebration as presidium members while DMU Department of Political Science associate professor Noni Arambam was the spokesperson.

The Day was also jointly celebrated by Kshetri Leikai Apunba Meirab Paibi Lup and Kshetri Leikai Apunba Semgat Sagat Lup at Multipurpose Indore Stadium, Thoubal Khestri Leikai with the hoisting of the Paphal (Pakhangba embossed) flag on Wednesday.

The celebration was attended by Khunnai Kanba Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (KHUKAMPL) president Waikhom Maipak as chief guest, while KWMPL president Kshetrimayum Tampha KASSL president Waikhom Thambou, Thoubal and Kakching District Apunba Lup convenor Jotin Waikhom, Apunba Meira Paibi Lup advisor Ningthoujam Sumo, KHUKAMPAL secretary Ak Chitreshwori, UFO secretary Lourembam Sanatomba and Lai Selungba Chanambam Jatra Singh were the presidium members.

During the celebration, the gathering raised various slogans followed by observance of two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls.

On the other hand, Apunba Nupi Lup (ANUL) hoisted the Pakhangba embossed flag to celebrate Manipur Independence Day in front to its office in Bishnupur on Wednesday.

The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by ANUL Bishnupur advisor L Nganbi, president L Pramo and other members of the organisation.

Meanwhile, Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) District Council Jiribam, Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) District Council Jiribam and Women's Association for Socio Economic & Development (WASED) celebrated 77th Manipur Independence Day at the office of HERICOUN District Council in Babupara, Jiribam on Wednesday.

During the celebration held under the aegis of Coalition of Indigenous Rights Campaign (CIRCA) Manipur, the Paphal (Pakhangba embossed) flag was hoisted by the dignitaries.

Dalit Sahitya Academy, Manipur also celebrated Manipur Independence Day at Loktak Hall of Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday with Academy's national secretary Dr Yumnam Mahendra Kumar as president, Babina Group chairman cum managing director Dr Thangjam Dhabali Singh as chief guest and Art & Culture Department former assistant director Haobam Chitra Devi as guest of honour.

As part of the celebration, a poetry recitation programme for Class VII-X students was organised, followed by felicitation of recipients of various national and international awards.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

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