Martyrs remembered as IPSA observes 25th Dark Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 27 2023:
Commemorating the day when the British forces occupied Kangla Fort after defeating Manipur in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and hoisted the Union Jack, International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) observed Dark Day (Amamba Numit) at GM Hall, here, on Thursday while its Jiribam unit organised the observance function at its Babupara office.
The observance at GM Hall was marked by offering of rich floral tributes to the known and unknown Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives fighting against the British in the 1891 battle.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar recalled that Manipur used to be a powerful kingdom in South East Asia.
However, the kingdom lost its sovereign status twice, first in the hands of the Burmese during the 7 Years Devastation and then to the mighty British after the Anglo-Manipuri war which is observed as "Dark Day".
Though Manipur lost its freedom in 1891, the Britishers could not control and rule over the hearts of the people, he said, while adding that the present generation needs to follow the footsteps of our forefathers and remain united to save the state from all external forces.
Further stating that the spirit of nationalism and sacrifices of our forefathers need to be inherited by the present generation, he also called upon all the communities in the state to unite and prevent outside forces from destroying the unity and integrity of the state.
According to IPSA president Tourangbam Birjit, the observance is being held to make the future generation understand the historical importance and relevance of the Anglo-Manipuri war.
He further said that with the objective of tracing the roots of the martyrs, Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 Kangleipak has been formed with IPSA as one of the constituent members and has been conducting research works in this regard.
As of now, we have been able to trace altogether 88 martyrs who took part in the Anglo-Manipuri war, he informed and urged the authority concerned to look into the dilapidating condition of the memorial sites of the known martyrs.
He also expressed disappointment over the fact that the historical event has not been included in school syllabus in the state.
The observance function was also attended by AIR Imphal assistant news director Gin Gangte, MU Central Museum assistant grade Dr Rajkumari Bidyapati Chanu, National & International awardee H Ibotombi Khuman, AIR Imphal news ed itor Thockhom Jogendrajit, historian Naorem Joykumar and IPSA advisor Kh Luwang-cha Chingkhei as guests of honour.
Dark Day Observation Committee of International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Jiribam branch also observed the 25th Dark Day (Amamba Numit) at its Babupara office premises in Jiribam district headquarters.
As part of the observance IPSA Jiribam members and representatives of women's organisations (Ima Lup) paid floral tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed for Manipur in the Anglo-Manipuri war fought in 1891 .
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