IT News
Imphal, April 22:
Commemorating the martyrs of Manipur who laid down their lives during the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War while fighting British forces advancing from the Silchar side—popularly known as the Western battlefield, which included the battles of Laimaton, Leimatak, and Lamangdong—members of the Descendants of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891 and the Justice Committee on Anglo Manipuri War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak (Manipur) today offered floral tributes at Kiyam Shanglen, Bishnupur.
The tribute ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Toijam Opendro, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur District; Lourembam Nganbi, President of All Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL); Prof. Leitam Nabachandra Singh, President of Leitam Mukta Memorial Committee; Khaidem Saratkumar, Advisor of Ningthemcha Ningsing Lup; Longjam Ronendro, President of Longjamba Polla (Bira) Memorial Trust; and Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee.
In the fierce Western battlefields, brave warriors such as Sanakha Kalasana Sagolhanjaba, Sananganba, Lourungpurel, Major Leitam Mukta, Longjamba Polia Bira, and other unsung heroes fought fearlessly against British forces. Floral tributes were offered in their memory during today’s ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee, expressed strong concern over ongoing violence, saying, “Even though the entire country knows that the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists behave like mad dogs, how long will the authorities allow these mad dogs to attack innocent Manipuri civilians?” He questioned why the central government remains a silent spectator while these elements continue to kill security personnel, burn central and state offices, torch civilian homes, and launch repeated attacks on civilians.
He further criticized the inaction of elected representatives, stating, “At this critical moment when the state is under siege, those who call themselves leaders must stand with the people and take responsibility. It is shameful that Kuki MLAs from Nagaland and Mizoram continue to work for their communities, while our own MLAs fail to act meaningfully for the suffering public.”
Joychandra urged MLAs to speak up and pressure the government to intervene and provide protection to the indigenous people. “The people seeking relief should not be left to wander. A proper policy must be framed for their rehabilitation. The displaced must be resettled with dignity and not left to survive aimlessly on roadsides,” he said.
He called on the central government to urgently bring out a concrete resettlement policy for those taking shelter in relief camps, with long-term support including funding and infrastructure. “This is not mere charity—it is the state’s duty,” he stated, adding that this should include a special policy with dedicated financial and developmental support.
He also appealed to MLAs to contribute from their Local Area Development Fund for meaningful relief efforts. “Even if it’s just one house or one locality per year, it will make a difference. We cannot just sit and watch as people suffer endlessly,” he added.