A&N MP writes to Amit Shah on Mount Manipur memorial
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 05 2025: With the Mount Manipur memorial project pending for over three years, Andaman & Nicobar Island MP Bishnu Pada Ray has reportedly written a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah urging action for project's revival and expeditious implementation.

The Mount Manipur memorial project is a significant initiative to honour 23 freedom fighters and martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur-War, 1891 including Maharaja Kulachandra Singh, who were exiled to the islands during the British rule.

The project aims to revive and expedite construction of the Mount Manipur memorial complexin the islands.

In his letter to Amit Shah, MP Bishnu Ray said the memorial would reinforce emotional and historical ties between the Northeast and the Andaman Islands, promote national integration and unity, inspire patriotic sentiments among citizens and tourists and boost heritage tourism and educational awareness in the region.

A&N MP writes to Amit Shah on Mount Manipur memorial

The project involves acquiring land from the Andaman administration, preparing proper documentation and starting layout works with a suitable design, the MP said in the letter.

While highlighting importance of the project, MP Bishnu Pada Ray mentioned that the Mount Manipur memorial would be a lasting tribute to the brave Manipuri freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The memorial would also boost heritage tourism and educational awareness in the region, inspiring patriotic sentiments among citizens and tourists, he mentioned in the letter.

On the steps to be taken for the project, MP Bishnu Pada Ray stressed the need for Manipur government to acquire the necessary land from the Andaman administration and prepare proper documents for the project.

The government should also start layout works and design a suitable memorial that reflects the sacrifices and bravery of the freedom fighters.

The project should be expedited to ensure its timely completion and to pay tribute to the martyrs, he said and expressed hope of completing the project soon and the Mount Manipur memorial becoming a symbol of national pride and unity.

The A&N MP also sent copies of the letter to Lieutenant Governor and chief secretary of A & N Islands for necessary action at their end.

He also sent a copy of the letter to Mukeshwar Lall, historian & member, A & N Islands UT, Heritage Committee, for his information and follow-up on the matter.

The MP's request refers to a decision taken during Amit Shah's visit to the islands on October 17, 2021, wherein erstwhile Mount Harriet was officially renamed as Mount Manipur as a tribute to the 23 brave Manipuri freedom fighters of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 .

Through the letter, the A&N Islands MP expressed concern over the delay in implementation of the 'Sword Monument' project - a promised tribute to the martyrs - which has seen little progress even after over three years.

The letter further recalls the sacrifice of Yuvraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were publicly executed on August 13, 1891, a day now solemnly observed as 'Patriots' Day' in Manipur.

Notably, an 18-member team of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) visited the islands some years back, the first from Manipur to trace and rediscover the historical links of brave forefathers of the land exiled there.