IPSA observes Dark Day to recall British occupation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2026: Commemorating the historical event which marked the occupation of independent Manipur by the British empire, the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) observed Dark Day at Manipur Press Club here today.

The gathering which included MLA Th Lokeshwar, IPSA president Maibam Bisheshwor, Khongnangthaba university VC Prof N Joykumar, Kabui Union Manipur president Dr K Heera Kabui, KIL president RK Sanahanbi, among others observed a two-minute silence in honour of the heroes and martyrs who fought in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891.Speaking at the function, IPSA president Maibam Bisheshwor said that Kangleipak (Manipur) existed as a powerful, independent Nation in SouthEast Asia.

IPSA observes Dark Day to recall British occupation

However, at one point of time in history, Manipur was occupied by Burmese invaders for seven years from 1819 to 1826 and it is known as Seven Years Devastation, he said.

But the Manipuri forefathers who did not know how to live under foreign occupation fought back valiantly and drove out the Burmese invaders beyond the Ningthi River, Bisheshwor recalled.

But again in 1891, Manipur was conquered by the British empire and the National Flag of independent Manipur was pulled down and in its place, the Union Jack was hoisted at Kangla on April 27, 1891.From that day onward, Manipur remained under British occupation for a long time.

IPSA has been observing this day as Dark Day every year.

Kangleipak, which once existed as an independent Nation for thousands of years has today fallen into a very state and the State is completely dependent on India even for food grains, the IPSA president remarked.

He then called upon all the communities to muster the courage which were inherent in their ancestors and stand together for the collective interests.

He also appealed to all the people to shed all communal and parochial outlooks.