IT News
Imphal Aug 13.
Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighter remembers the brave soldiers who died defending Manipur on August 13.
Speaking on the occasion Ibotombi Khuman , Chairman of Justice Committee, said that “the government celebrates this day to remember only Tikendrajit and Thangal General.” However, it stated that we should also remember those who were exiled after the war in Andaman Island, such as Chongtham Mia who was never allowed to come back to Manipur and died in Tripura.
He added that there were other five soldiers who also were hanged after the war.
“Anglo Manipuri war consists of many battles and Khongjom is a site of just one battle and it is a battle of among other battles in this war”, he added.
Justice Committee considers those soldiers who died in Anglo Manipuri war facing the three British columns who invaded Manipur as patriots.
He highlighted that around 400 were martyred in this war at battle sites such as Machin Manao Ching, Thoubal Athokpam, Laimaton Ching and Mayangkhang.
The government has made no effort to built memorial sites and statues of the brave soldiers who laid down their lives at these battle sites. It is only at Kakching’ s Machin Manao Ching where memorial site is built.
Ibotombi urged the government to take necessary step to built the memorial sites for the martyrs and further appealed the people of Manipur that all those who laid down their lives must be remembered as patriots and not only remember just two martyrs.
The function was attended by the relatives of some of the patriots who were martyred as the presidium members along with the Chairman of Justice Committee.
Floral tributes were also paid to the martyrs of Anglo Manipuri War of 1981.
Also various institutions, student bodies and civil society organization observed the Patriots Day remembering the martyrs who died fighting for Manipur against British Colonialist.
Joint Student Co-ordination committee also observed the patriots Day at Imphal College.
Similarly Waikhom Leikai Government Upper primary School also observed it.