Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Military Affairs Committee (MAC) in connection with its 22nd Raising Day and the 135th Patriots’ Day, paid tribute to those who died in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and subsequent struggles for Manipur’s political identity.
The statement said August 13 holds historical significance as the day associated with the execution of Yubaraj Tikendrajit and General Thangal following the Anglo-Manipur War. It said the occasion should be observed as a day of remembrance for all those who sacrificed their lives in defence of Manipur.
The KCP-MAC also referred to various political and armed movements that emerged in Manipur after 1949, presenting them as part of a continuing struggle for self-determination. It cited the formation of several organisations and movements, including the Manipur Communist Party, UNLF, PREPAK, PLA/RPF, KCP and KYKL.
The statement criticised the ongoing “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, alleging that its observance in Manipur undermines the historical significance of August 13 and August 14, which it described as important dates in Manipur’s political history.
It urged civil society organisations, women’s groups, intellectuals, media persons, students, workers and farmers to remember the sacrifices of earlier generations and contribute to protecting Manipur’s cultural identity and heritage.
The statement further invoked the writings of Frantz Fanon and Glen Sean Coulthard in discussing colonialism, cultural identity and indigenous self-determination.
The KCP-MAC called for collective reflection on Manipur’s history and urged people to draw lessons from earlier political movements and struggles for the future of the state.