PPAM cautions public on history slickers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 11 2025: People's Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM) has warned that the loss of a nation's history could lead to the disappearance of all its communities, leaving behind scattered remnants without the hope of revival in the changing global political order.

In a statement, PPAM said that safeguarding history from various attacks was essential for the survival of a nation and called for raising a generation that has a clear understanding of its past.

"People who do not know their history cannot truly love their motherland or lead their people," it stressed.

Recalling the struggles of Manipur, PPAM stated that the state had faced numerous external aggressions, among which the Seven Years' Devastation (1819-1826) was one of the worst genocides in world history.

Citing Manipuri historians, the organisation said that over 5 lakh Manipuris were killed and more than 3 lakh, including women and children, taken as prisoners of war by Burmese forces.

The Manipur Levy was later formed to expel the Burmese and reclaim the Kabaw Valley.

However, the organisation pointed out, historical mistakes and governance failures led to Manipur becoming a colony of the British Empire after getting defeated in the Battle of Khongjom in 1891 .

For waging war against the British, Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General were hanged on August 13, 1891, at Pheidabung (Mapal Kangjeibung), a day now observed across the state as Athoubasinggi Numit (Patriots' Day).

PPAM said that Manipur regained independence from British rule on August 14, 1947, a day before India, under the Manipur Constitution Act of July 26, 1947 .

Elections held in June 1948 elected 53 representatives, including members from various communities, making Manipur the first parliamentary democracy in Southeast Asia.

However, the state was annexed by India on October 15, 1949, through "a deceitful colonial policy" and had since faced numerous challenges, including human rights violations, it rued.

The statement stressed that the Manipur Independence War of 1891 was fought by all communities of the state, not by a single group.

It maintained that present-day foreign intruders are attempting to alter Manipur's history by changing the names of its natural features and settlements while occupying territory, drawing parallels to Israel's gradual takeover of Palestine.

According to PPAM, illegal immigrants now occupy nearly 70 per cent of Manipur's total geographical area.

Calling for unity in the current situation, PPAM urged every household in Manipur to commemorate the upcoming August 13 as an expression of love for the motherland.

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