AMUCO, TUC salute at memorial complex
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2025: The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and Thangmeiband United Club (TUC) jointly observed the 134th Athoubasingee Ningsing Numit (Martyrs' Remembrance Day) at the martyrs memorial complex at Thangmeiband Cheiraoching today.

The highlight of the event was a floral tribute to the martyrs' statues led by AMUCO president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang, honouring their ultimate sacrifice.

Joining the event was Khoisnam ongbi Birala, a Sahitya Akademi awardee, New Delhi board member and advisor to the Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum, Tripura, along with Hijam ongbi Babli and Hijam ongbi Sarita from Tripura.

Paying homage to the ancestors, Nando Luwang emphasized that the tribute is a way to foster patriotism among current and future generations and pave the way for a more robust Manipur.

He criticized the narrative that suggests the ancestors fought the 1891 war with the knowledge of defeat, arguing that it was patriotism that fuelled their resistance against the British even at the cost of their lives.

Such distortion, he said, undermines Manipur's freedom fighters.

He also said that Manipuris who died in the Anglo Manipuri War were not under anyone.

Nando Luwang stressed that every Manipuri should understand the significance of the Anglo-Manipur War and the sacrifices made by 'our ancestors'.

However, he cautioned that merely observing the day won't bring any change.

Drawing a parallel between the defeat in the war and the imposition of President's Rule in the State, he added that people with vested interest played a significant role in the latter.

He asserted that Manipur has been reduced to a confined space where freedom of movement is curtailed owing to the violent actions of Kuki-Zo groups targeting Meeteis.

AMUCO secretary organisation Laishram Krishnachandra, secretary general Pratap Leishangthem, vice president Sorokhibam Sanjoy also spoke at the event.

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