IT News
Imphal, April 23:
A commemorative event was held at Machin-Manao Ching, Kakching, to honour Major Wangkhei Meiraba, a brave martyr who sacrificed his life during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 while resisting British forces. The ceremony was jointly organized by the People’s Museum, Kakching, the Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak, the Major Wangkhei Meiraba Memorial Trust, and the Leishangthem Amu Memorial Trust.
The event saw the participation of prominent figures such as MLA Thangjam Arunkumar of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency, former MLA Yengkhom Surchandra of Kakching Assembly Constituency, Naorem Sanjitkumar, Caretaker Chairperson of Kakching Municipal Council, Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee, and Maibam Bisheshor, President of IPSA.
Family members and relatives of Major Wangkhei Meiraba and Leishangthem Amu were also present to pay their respects.
During the ceremony, students and residents from various parts of the state offered floral tributes to Major Meiraba and 99 other soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland.
Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee, used the occasion to call for urgent intervention from the Central government regarding the ongoing crisis in Manipur. He criticized the government’s failure to address the situation, stating that it undermines India’s aspirations of becoming a global superpower.
In his address, Konthoujam remarked, “Despite India’s claim of being a rising superpower, the unresolved violence in Kangpokpi shows the country’s inability to manage internal crises.” He also expressed concerns over the Central government’s promises of infrastructural development, highlighting the disparity between these promises and the harsh reality on the ground.
He further pointed out the economic toll of the prolonged unrest, which includes fuel shortages, rising prices, and disrupted livelihoods. “Manipur now appears to be the weakest among all Indian states in terms of stability and governance,” he said, advocating for the imposition of President’s Rule to restore order.
Konthoujam also raised alarms over national security, citing reports of infiltration from Myanmar and urging the Central government to take immediate action to safeguard the region.
The ceremony, held at the historically significant Kakching Manao Ching, where British forces fought Manipuri defenders during the Anglo-Manipur War, not only paid tribute to the fallen heroes but also underscored the ongoing struggle for peace and justice in Manipur.
The Anglo-Manipur War, which began on March 31, 1891, culminated on April 27, marking the end of Manipur’s sovereignty. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the ongoing quest for peace in the region.