IT News
Imphal, Aug 14:
Civil society organizations and student groups from various communities throughout the state commemorated Manipur Independence Day today by paying tribute to the forefathers who fought for Manipur’s freedom.
AMUCO leads Statewide observance of Manipur’s Independence Day on August 14
The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) organized state and district-level clubs, along with meira paibis, to commemorate Manipur’s independence on August 14, 1947. This observance took place across 300 locations in the state, marking the day as a significant historical moment.
AMUCO highlighted that Manipur’s independence day was observed on August 14, 1947, a day before India’s independence, and not on August 15 as celebrated by the Indian government. The observance was not an anti-national or anti-Indian act, but a tribute to a pivotal event in Manipur’s history. The organization states that this day has been overshadowed by other narratives, and it’s time to revisit and honor the history.
Reflecting on the past, AMUCO pointed out that after the British defeat in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Manipur regained its independence for 56 years until it was merged with India in 1949. The forced integration of Manipur into India has long been a point of contention, with many viewing it as a colonial act rather than a consensual union.
The event also criticized the Indian government’s historical policies and actions in Manipur, suggesting that the struggles of Manipuri people have been overlooked. AMUCO asserted that the current generation must understand and honor Manipur’s unique history, particularly the significance of August 14.
The observance included discussions about the ongoing issues in the state, with particular attention to the unrest caused by Kuki militants. Indian security forces were called upon to take action against those threatening the state’s peace and sovereignty. AMUCO reiterated that the observance of Manipur’s independence day on August 14 is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Manipuri people and their resolve to protect their history and identity.
As the state government continues to officially recognize August 15 as India’s Independence Day, AMUCO urged all political leaders, government officials, and citizens to also honor August 14 as Manipur’s own day of independence.
UCM observes Manipur Independence Day, remembers state’s sovereign history
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) observed August 14th as Manipur Independence Day at its Lamphel office, marking the day in 1947 when the British dominion left Kangleipak Manipur, granting the state its independence a day before India gained its own. UCM President Joychandra Konthoujam, speaking to media persons, emphasized the historical significance of this day, noting that while India celebrates its independence on August 15th, Manipur achieved its sovereignty on August 14th.
During his address, Joychandra Konthoujam highlighted that Manipur, also known as Kangleipak, boasts a history spanning five thousand years in the Southeast Asian region. He pointed out that Manipur faced two major defeats: the first being the Seven Years’ Devastation (1819-1826) under Burmese occupation, and the second during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. The Anglo-Manipuri War, which began on March 31, 1891, and ended on April 27 with the British defeating Manipur, led to 56 years of British rule, with April 27 being remembered as a dark day in the state’s history.
Joychandra Konthoujam further recounted the events following World War II, when British political agent G.P. Stewart summoned Maharaja Budhachandra and his private secretary, Sanasam Gourahari Singh, at midnight on August 14, 1947, to grant Manipur its independence. However, the UCM President expressed that this sovereignty was short-lived, as Manipur was later merged into the Dominion of India after Maharaja Bodhchandra was compelled to sign the merger agreement in Shillong on September 21, 1949, leading to the loss of its sovereign political status.
Student organizations commemorates Independence Day
The 77th Manipur Independence Day was solemnly commemorated today by the Joint Students’ Coordination Committee (JSCC), an apex body comprising the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), and the Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and another student organisation. The event was held at Ratankumar Memorial School in Kwakeithel, Imphal West.
The ceremony was marked by the theme, “(14th August 1947) Ehan Hanna Chingkhatkhiba Pakhangba gi Paphal Yekpa Phiral,” reflecting on the day Manipur first asserted its independence before its later merger with the Indian Union.
The event was graced by several prominent figures including Dr. Kh. Hillary, Founder of RM School, Hijam Roshan, President of MSF, Sukham Bidyananda, President of KSA, and Ningthoujam Dhanakumar Meitei, President of SUK.
The program commenced with the hoisting of the flag, followed by a ceremonial tribute. The highlight of the event was a remembrance of the historic day on August 14, 1947, when Manipur first gained independence.
Outside influences should not be allowed to create disunity: MMWO
The Manipur Meitei Pangal Welfare Association (MMWO) marked Patriots’ Day with a solemn remembrance ceremony, reflecting on the state’s rich history and the sacrifices made by its heroes. The event was led by MMWO President, Boboi Korimayum, who emphasized the importance of this day, noting that it was the day when Maharaj Bodhchandra raised the flag of Manipur, symbolizing the state’s independence and sovereignty.
In his address, Boboi Korimayum narrated the historical journey of the state of Manipur, reminding attendees that the state was under British control from 1891 to 1947, before regaining independence. He highlighted that Manipur was an independent country with its own constitution and assembly until its merger with the Indian Union in 1949.
He urged the younger generation to remember Manipur’s independent past and to take pride in the state’s heritage. Boboi Korimayum also spoke on the importance of unity among the different communities in Manipur, cautioning against external forces that seek to divide them. He called on the people to resist these divisive policies and to uphold the unity that has long been a cornerstone of Manipur’s strength.
Manipur’s Independence Celebrated at Jiribam
The Independence Day of Manipur was commemorated with fervor in Jiribam, the westernmost district of the state. Various organizations in the region came together to observe the historic occasion when the erstwhile Manipur regained its independence from the British rule in 1947.
The Jiri Development Organisation (JDO), Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL), United Jiri Youth League (UJYL), Pari Puri Athouba Ningsing Lup (PPANL) and Jiri Apunba Khunai Chaukhat Lup (JAKCL) jointly organized the celebration at the JIMPAL office premises.
Elangbam Devan Singh, the President of the Jiri Development Organisation, hoisted the Manipur national flag featuring the Pakhangba symbol at 9:30 am today. The flag was the same one that was raised at the Kangla Fort in Imphal on this day 78 years ago, marking Manipur’s independence.
The celebration was graced by Elangbam Devan Singh, President of Jiri Development Organisation; L. Romen Singh, Advisor of JDO; L. Bimola Devi, President of JIMPAL; Y. Sumati Devi, President of CADA; Th. Ratan Singh, General Secretary of PPANL shared the dais as Presidium members.
The event was attended by local community leaders, youth groups, and residents of Jiribam who came together to honor the sacrifices and struggles that led to Manipur regaining its sovereignty. Speeches highlighting the state’s rich history and culture were delivered, reaffirming the people’s commitment to upholding the principles of self-determination and democratic values.
Meanwhile, Manipur Independence Day was also observed at Khubong in Imphal West by the Imphal West Students’ Club, VVF, AT, and local Meira Paibee.
Also, Kakching District United Clubs Organization (KADUCO), Manipur Students Federation (MSF) observed Manipur Independent day at Lamjing Meira Club Community Hall, Hiyanglam Waikhom Leikai.
