Hoisting of Union Jack at Kangla: IPSA observes Dark Day
'Onus on all to protect integrity of Manipur'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2025: Remembering the fall of the independent Manipur kingdom after the end of Anglo-Manipur War, the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) today observed Dark Day in the Centenary Hall, Manipur University.

After the defeat of Manipuri forces at three major battles viz; Mayangkhang, Laimaton and Khongjom, the invading British forces captured Kangla, pulled down the Manipuri flag and hoisted the Union Jack on April 27, 1891 .

The Dark Day observation commenced with offering of floral tributes to all the known and unknown Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 to protect the independence of Manipur.

Speaking at the function, School of Social Sciences, MU former Dean and Manipur Historical Society president Prof Naorem Joykumar said that the hoisting of the Union Jack at Kangla after the Battle of Khongjom marked the end of Manipur as an independent kingdom.

Prior to the British conquest, Manipur existed as an independent kingdom for thousands of years.

Saying that Manipuri people are highly Nationalistic, Prof Joykumar called upon the present generation to work collectively to protect the integrity of Manipur and its territorial boundary drawn by the sweat and blood of Manipuri forefathers.

IPSA president Maibam Bisheshore recalled that Manipuri forefathers successfully defended the independence and territorial integrity of Manipur from repeated invasions and aggressions in different points of its long history.

"Just as our forefathers defended Manipur, it is now our responsibility to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur", he said.

The collective strength of the plain people and hill people have been protecting the integrity of Manipur.

At the same time, it is crucial for all communities to forge unity to protect the common homeland called Manipur from all adversaries, Bisheshore said.

At a certain point of time in history, Manipur fell in the hands of Burmese invaders and the kingdom was devastated for seven long years on account of disunity among Manipuri princes.

Nonetheless, Manipuri people who cherished freedom more than life itself fought back hard, drove away the Burmese invaders and restored the independence of Manipur, he recalled.

After the British conquest of Manipur in 1891, Manipur once again became independent on August 14, 1947.Noting that the current situation of Manipur is nearly the same as it has broken apart, the IPSA president called upon all the hill people and plain people to once again build a united Manipur.

JNIMS former Director Dr Laishram Deben, UCM ad COCOMI consultative member Yumnamcha Dillipkumar, Thoubal Apunba Lup president Romeshore Waikhwa, Kanglamei president Y Leirikleima and Kanglei Ima Lup president RK Sanahanbi too attended the function as presidium members.

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