'Declare November 23 as Exile Day'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 23 2024: Forum for Protection of Heritage of 23 Unsung Heroes, 1891 (Andaman Chapter) organised the 134th Exile Day observance at the memorial complex for Exile Heroes of Anglo Manipur War, 1891 located on the southern side of BT Park here on Saturday.

The observance was attended by Persons with Disabilities state commissioner Waikhom Birahari as chief guest and Forum president Usham Birhari Singh as president.

Delivering the keynote speech, Birmangol College, Sawombung history department assistant professor Dr N Dinesh stressed the need for to commemorate at least one day a year the sacrifices and contributions of the many unsung heroes of the land.

As such, he urged the government to declare the day on November 23 to mark the day the exiled heroes took the first step in Andaman.

He recounted that a written letter was submitted to the then governor and chief minister in August, 2022, following which the Forum s representatives were called to the secretariat for talks.

During the talks, deliberations were held on the matter on what to name the observance and on which, day to be observed.

However, no further progress was made.

As such, he drew attention of the government into declaring a day for remembrance in this regard.

He also called for constructing a memorial in Andaman, especially at the location where the 23 unsung heroes stayed, to allow visitors to pay their respects.

Forum co-convenor Ch Tomba said that many were killed, injured and imprisoned or sent to exile in the aftermath of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891.Maharaj Kulachandra was one of the 23 exileci to Andaman and majority of them continue to remain nameless till date.

Thus, he also urged for observing a day to remember them and also set up a memorial in Andaman.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the memorial in the complex, while Eastern Arts and Culture Foundation, Arapti, Imphal members presented a sword salute.

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