As part of the Reconciliation Month, members of the United Peoples’ Front, Manipur, under its campaign titled “Let Us Not Repeat the 7 Years of Devastation in Manipur,” on Thursday paid floral tributes to the memorials of martyrs at Ningsing Khun in Jiribam district of Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor of the United Peoples’ Front, Manipur, Advocate L Jadumani said that people must collectively ensure that the 7 years of devastation are not repeated. Members of the United Peoples’ Front also staged a rally at Ningsing Khun, Jiribam, and paid floral tributes to the martyrs as a mark of respect.
Addressing the gathering, L Jadumani stated that the United Peoples’ Front has been observing Reconciliation Day every year on January 9 since 2001. However, from 2024 onwards, the organisation has been observing the entire month as Reconciliation Month. He said the objective of the month-long observance is to recall the 7 years of devastation and to spread the message that such a period should never be repeated. He added that this would be possible only when Manipuris settled in different parts of the country unite.
He further said that it is important to understand how the 7 years of devastation occurred and how the ancestors of Manipur struggled to unite the scattered regions, fought back, and restored the lost freedom by driving out the Ava forces from Burma. By recalling this history, he said, the present generation must work together to ensure that Manipur remains free and secure, and that such devastation does not recur.
L Jadumani also stated that floral tributes were paid with deep respect at the memorial site of the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 located at Ningsing Khun in Jiribam district. He recalled the supreme sacrifices of Tikendrajit, Paona Brajabasi, and Thangal General, who laid down their lives for the land and freedom of Manipur, and said similar tribute programmes would be organised at other places as well.
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing programme, the United Peoples’ Front also organised a gathering at the Manipuri Boys’ Hostel located at Park Road in Silchar, Assam. The programme was attended by United Peoples’ Front President Nongthombam Rupachandra, Lairenlakpam Champalal, retired Superintendent of the Excise Department, Assam, R K Gopalsana, retired Secretary, Assam, and A Nandababu, ACS, retired Additional Secretary, Assam, among others.