Imphal, Jan 05 : With the objective of paying tribute to the forefathers of Manipur who were exiled to Andaman & Nicobar (Kala Pani), a 22-member team of the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur, led by its Secretary Rakesh Naorem, departed on Monday from Kangla for Andaman & Nicobar.
The team was ceremonially flagged off from the Northern Gate of Kangla by former Minister (CAF & PD) and MLA of Khurai Assembly Constituency, Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, who attended the event as the Chief Guest.
The programme was also attended by former PAWF President Yaiskul Khwairakpam and PAWF President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, who participated as special invitees.
Speaking on the occasion, PAWF Secretary Rakesh Naorem said that the Patriotic Writers Forum is a literary organisation committed to safeguarding the identity and history of the motherland. He stated that PAWF had earlier conducted homage-paying programmes to forefathers who had settled in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Myanmar, and Bangladesh on several occasions.
He informed that the nine-day tour, from January 5 to January 13, is being undertaken to pay homage to the freedom fighters of Manipur who were exiled to Andaman & Nicobar following the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, including Maharaja Kulachandra, 23 other freedom fighters, and unknown soldiers.
He further stated that during the visit, the team will offer floral tributes at statues and memorials and will also bring earthen remains (Malem leisa) associated with these freedom fighters. The importance of preserving these historic sites will also be highlighted, he added.
Rakesh Naorem also expressed deep concern over the present crisis in Manipur, referring to the violence that began on May 3, 2023, allegedly triggered by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups, which led to the displacement and suffering of many Meitei people now living in relief camps. He appealed to both the State and Central Governments to take concrete steps for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur in the New Year 2026.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest MLA Leishangthem Susindro Meitei said that remembering and honouring the sacrifices of the forefathers who laid down their lives for the motherland is not only a moral duty but also a guiding light for present and future generations. He appreciated PAWF, Manipur, for organising the historic journey to Andaman & Nicobar to honour the freedom fighters exiled there in connection with the events of 1891 and assured his full support for the initiative. He added that such efforts will help other communities and future generations understand the sacrifices made by the ancestors of Manipur, stressing that the present generation must not forget this history.
Responding to questions from the media regarding the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, MLA Susindro clarified that the decision to extend PR or not in Manipur lies with the Central Government. He urged the media to rely only on authentic and credible sources while reporting.
Those present at the programme included PAWF President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, Secretary Rakesh Naorem, former Vice-President Sobita Mongjam, life members Chongtham Jibanlata, Naorem Romila, senior film actor Samjetsabam Mangoljao, Samjetsabam Sangita, Laishram Brojendro, Laishram Bina, Kshetrimayum Subhaschandra, Laishram Devala, Ashangbam Jagjit, Brahmacharimayum Krishnakumar, Kshetrimayum Lakshaheb, Phamdon Gyaneswari, Shamurailatpam Bipin Sharma, Maibam Gojendro, Langam Devendra, Thokchom Sunilkumar, Naorem Athoibi Chanu, Chongtham Sangeeta, Khangembam Sunibala, along with many other PAWF sympathisers.
