The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and Thangmeiband United Clubs’ Organisation (TUC) today jointly observed the 134th Athoubasinggi Ningsing Numit (Martyrs’ Memorial Day) at the martyrs’ memorial at Thangmeiband Cheiraoching. Floral tributes were offered to the statues of the martyrs as a mark of respect.
AMUCO President Pheiroijam Nando, leaders of various civil society organisations, Khoisnam Ongbi Birala from Tripura — who is also a Board Member of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and Advisor of the Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum, Tripura — and Hijam Ongbi Babli and Hijam Ongbi Sarita from Tripura were among those who paid homage to the martyrs and war heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri War.
Speeches were delivered by AMUCO’s Secretary (Organisation) Laishram Krishnachandra, Secretary General Pratap Leishangthem, Vice-President Sorokhibam Sanjoy, and Koijam Helen Meitei.
In his address, AMUCO President Pheiroijam Nando Luwang said the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, often referred to as the last war of Manipur fought at Khongjom, is frequently misunderstood. Contrary to the belief that Manipuri warriors fought knowing they would be defeated, he asserted that no one engages in battle with such certainty of loss. The Manipuris fought with full faith in their ability to defend their land, displaying remarkable courage and determination.
He described the martyrs as brave souls who fought until the end and never surrendered. One factor contributing to Manipur’s defeat, he said, was internal betrayal. Following the British execution of Thangal General and Yuvraj Tikendrajit, Surchandra — who had been dethroned earlier — or one of his descendants was reinstated on the throne. Surchandra’s supporters cooperated with the British to regain power, undermining the resistance.
The British advanced from three fronts — the Silchar Column, Kohima Column, and Tamu Column. Despite valiant resistance, the superior British firepower led to Manipur’s fall.
Nando stressed that wars are fought only when there is determination, preparation, and the will to win. British records themselves, he said, testify to the resilience and skill of Manipuri forces who engaged the enemy on multiple fronts. These accounts also show that the Manipuri soldiers burned their own armoury rather than allow it to be seized.
He recalled the seven-year devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa) from 1819 to 1825 when Manipur was occupied by Burma, noting that the Meitei kings, princes, and soldiers fought relentlessly to reclaim their land. Sixty-six years after regaining freedom from Burma, Manipur once again lost its sovereignty to the British in 1891, and after 56 years of colonial rule, became part of India.
Before the merger, the Meitei community possessed strong administrative, military, and diplomatic capabilities, along with territorial integrity, he said. Post-merger, however, the state’s ability to safeguard its land has weakened, leaving boundaries vulnerable. He pointed out that present-day Nagaland — historically known as “Hanna Thibomei” — the Doyong forest in Assam, and parts of Cachar once fell under Meitei kings but are no longer part of Manipur.
Nando remarked that Manipur was once considered unconquerable — a “golden land” compared to an unbreakable mountain and an indivisible rock. After the 1949 merger with India, political unity among the Meitei people eroded, and land losses began. He alleged that current demands for a “Separate Administration” for the Kuki-Zo community threaten Manipur’s territorial integrity and warned of dire consequences if such moves succeed.