On the occasion of 13 August, it seems necessary to reflect once again.

13th August, Manipur

On the occasion of 13 August, it seems necessary to reflect once again.

On 13 August 1891, after the British had occupied Manipur, Yuvraj Tikendrajit, Thangal General, and other patriotic leaders were publicly hanged at Pheidabung. At the same time, Maharaja Kulachandra and 23 others were exiled to the dreaded penal colony of Kala Pani. In remembrance of those leaders and martyrs, every year 13 August has been observed as a day of remembrance, and people have gathered in large numbers to pay tribute.

However, in recent years, concerns have arisen that some who act like agents or supporters of the Indian state have been trying to transform the solemn remembrance of 13 August into a festive cultural event with entertainment instead of patriotic songs, and poetry. Such a trend is troubling. Likewise, every year Indian military units stationed near Kangla have been observing “Vijay Diwas” (Victory Day) on the same date. What does this represent? Is this a particular political agenda under the authority of the Indian state?

Similarly, on 23 April 1891, the day remembered as Khongjom Day, Manipuri soldiers fought heroically against the invading British forces. The few soldiers of Manipur were fighting against the mighty British where Paon Naol Sigh Known as Paona Brajabashi was a major leading troop of Manipuri. It is said that when Paona was offered a chance to surrender and save his life, he refused and chose to die for his motherland. For generations, this day has been observed as Khongjom Day. Yet, there are concerns that official commemorations increasingly highlight Indian flags, military displays, nationalistic narratives, and ceremonies. Is this really reflect the historical meaning of the occasion.

At that time, Manipur was an independent kingdom and not a part of India. The sacrifices made were not for India's freedom but for the protection of Manipur's sovereignty and dignity. Therefore, attempts to reinterpret those sacrifices solely through the lens of Indian nationalism are viewed by some as a distortion of history.

Likewise, the place at Laitumkhrah, Shillong, where Maharaja Bodhchandra signed the Merger Agreement with the Government of India on 21 September 1949, has remained largely unmarked and neglected. There appears to be little effort to preserve or memorialize this historically significant site. And there was also a significant occasion of destroying the buildings beyond recognition which looks like intentional covering up of the history. What does such neglect signify? Is there a concern that future generations may forget that Manipur once existed as a self-governing kingdom? Are deliberate efforts being made to erase that memory?

Yet the reality remains that the British did not conquer Manipur easily. Several British officers lost their lives during the conflict, and even British records acknowledged the determination and resistance of the Manipuri people. They recognized that Manipur was not merely another territory but a distinct political entity.

Therefore, during commemorations of those who sacrificed their lives for the land, celebrations that resemble entertainment festivals should not overshadow the solemnity of remembrance. We are the descendants of those who protected this land with their lives, and we must honor their memory with dignity.

After 1891, Manipur came under British control, and later, after 21 September 1949, it came under the administration of India. Throughout these changes, the spirit and identity of the land continued to endure. The sacrifices of earlier generations were not made in vain. However, many people today seem more interested in spectacle, publicity, and personal recognition than in understanding the deeper meaning of those sacrifices.

On 27 April 1891, Manipur finally fell under British authority. Before that, countless brave men and women, armed with whatever resources they had, fought in battles at places such as Khongjom, Lamkhai, and Lamhangdong. Many gave their lives, and others endured hardship so that future generations could continue to live with dignity. Yet today, many people no longer remember those stories, and the records left by our forefathers are gradually fading from public memory.

Yours,

— Thokchom Kennedy (Boi) 

Khurai Kongpal

On the occasion of 13 August, it seems necessary to reflect once again.