CorCom salutes Khongjom War heroes
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 22 2024: The proscribed Coordination Committee (CorCom) extended revolutionary salute to brave forefathers of the land who valiantly fought the British in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and sacrificed their lives for the motherland in the war popularly known as Khongjom War and being remembered every year as 'Khongjom Day Athoubasinggi NIgshiing Numit' on April 23.On the eve of the Khongjom Day, the conglomerate of revolutionary groups operating in Manipur (Kangleipak) also extended revolutionary salute and honour to all those who sacrificed their lives, injured and displaced while trying to safeguard integrity of the land in the present war.

According to a CorCom statement, the Khongjom battle of 1891 demonstrated valour of forefathers of the land in taking on the then mighty British and sacrificing their lives for the sake of the motherland.

The supreme sacrifices made by brave forefathers of Manipur in the Khongjom battle instil the endless spirit to live independently among the present generation.

While reminding the people that the Khongjom battle was fought to protect the sovereignty of Manipur (Kangleipak) and not for India's independence, the CorCom statement issued by publicity committee said Manipur (Kangleipak) lost its sovereignty after the battle on April 27, 1891 and came under the British rule with Maxwell as chief political officer.

However, people of the land revolted against the British administration with notable revolts being the first Nupi Lan of 1904, Jadonang movement after 1921, Irabot movement after 1935 and second Nupi Lan of 1939.After India forcibly merged Manipur in 1949, armed revolutionary movement began under the leadership of Hijam Irabot and since then the movement continues.

Battles fought and sacrifices made by revolutionaries in the continuing movement are for restoration of the lost sovereignty of Manipur (Kangleipak), the CorCom said.

Since the beginning of Indian rule from October 15, 1849 and the continuing suppressive rule, administration in Manipur Kangleipak) has been perennially associated with disputed incidents and events which give severe impact to the people.

As a result, there is no self-sufficient economy, the administration sidelines people and does not hear complaint from the people torture while there is environmental degradation in the name of development.

Apart from this, the territorial boundary of Manipur (Kangleipak) is also being challenged continuously.

The protracted divide and rule policy played in cahoots with a community inhabiting the land which took facet of a 'time bomb' had exploded and the resultant terrible communal clash is being witnessed by the people now.

In fact, the communal clash or war since May 3, 2023 not only killed many people but also left thousands of people as refugees in their own land, the CorCom said.

According to the statement, the most important tactic India adopted predominantly to suppress revolutionary movement in Manipur (Kangleipak) has been 'divide and rule' policy among indigenous peoples of the land.

The 'divide and rule' policy India played remained unknown except among some sections of people but widely known among public after series of incidents after May 3, 2023 and these incidents have awakened the people of Manipur (Kangleipak).

Apart from fully understanding that the fact that incidents since May 3, 2023 are result of India's long policy of proxy war and the newly developed geo-politics, people of Manipur (Kangleipak) have already started to stand against India with renewed courage and unity.

However, India pushed the people of Manipur (Kangleipak) into election trap as usual with success and straining unity of the people once again.

Though earlier united against holding election till return of peace and normalcy, people are now divided by the MP election held few days back with muscle and money power.

If the hearsay about one political party of India utilising village volunteers nurtured with love and financial support of the people in the election happens to be true, then the nefarious act performed by those in power in the namesake government will be very dangerous, it cautioned.

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