TMB Report
Imphal: International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and Dark Day Observance Committee, 2023 observed the 25th Dark Day at GM hall here on Thursday commemorating the day Manipur lost its sovereignty.
The dignitaries and people gathered at Arapti paid floral tributes as a mark of respect to all the Martyrs, who had sacrificed their precious lives in the Anglo- Manipuri War, 1891 fought against the British Government. A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls of the heroes.
Speaking at the observance as Chief Guest, MLA Wangkhei AC Thangjam Arunkumar said that Manipur was a small independent state among the princely ruled states in South East Asia. Manipur lost its sovereignty twice. Manipur lost its sovereignty first when the Burmese occupied Kangleipak, (now Manipur).
Defeated at the battle Manipur suffered from 1819 AD to 1826 AD, which is popularly known as ‘Seven years Devastation’ (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa). The second sovereignty of Manipur was lost when the British government occupied Kangleipak (Manipur) and pulled down the Kangleipak flag at Kangla fort. This incident was remembered by modern Manipur and its people as ‘Dark Day’, he added.
He said that he felt very proud and grateful that he got an opportunity to pay floral tributes to all the martyrs. He said that remembering the day, the young generations need to follow the footsteps of our forefathers. It is high time for all the people of the state to stay alert from taking advantage of the invaders. Lets all try to have the mindset of sacrifices made by our forefathers for our motherland, he appealed.
The observation was also attended by IPSA President Tourangbam Birjit, Assistant Director News of AIR Imphal Gin Gangte, Assistant Grade of MU Central Museum Dr.Rajkumari Bidyapati Chanu, National & International Awardee H.Ibotombi Khuman, News Editor of AIR Imphal Thockhom Jogendrajit Singh, Historian Naorem Joukumar and IPSA Advisor Kh.Luwangcha Chingkhei as Functional President and Guests of Honour respectively.
