JAN 11, 2025 (Port Blair/IMP): In reverence, paying floral tributes at the memorial site of Manipur’s exiled patriots at Mount Manipur in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on Sunday, the members of the Patriotic Writers’ Forum (PAWF) offered homage to the 23 freedom fighters who were deported to the islands following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The homage was offered at the historic site associated with the exile of Maharaja Kulachandra and other patriots in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the programme was organised by 22 members of PAWF, Manipur, led by its Secretary, Rakesh Naorem.
PAWF Secretary Rakesh Naorem, while addressing the gathering at Port Blair, said the delegation visited Mount Manipur early in the morning and paid homage to the martyrs who were imprisoned and exiled there. He also expressed concern that the history of the 23 exiled patriots and their sacrifices remains inadequately reflected in textbooks prescribed by the Education Department, Government of Manipur. He stressed the need to properly document and teach this chapter of Manipur’s history so that present and future generations can honour their legacy.
He recalled that after the British defeated Manipur at the Battle of Khongjom during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, the British deported many Manipuri leaders and soldiers to distant places. He noted that Pukhrambam Kajao was hanged on May 25, 1891; Niranjan Subedar on June 8; and Yubaraj Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and Chirai Thangal on August 13 the same year. Rakesh Naorem further stated that Maharaja Kulachandra Singh, along with 23 patriots, was deported to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in chains.
Maharaja Kulachandra and others reached there on November 23, 1891. In this regard, PAWF urged the Government of Manipur to officially observe November 23 as a State function in remembrance of the exiled patriots.
He said that if the State Government recognises the day, it would greatly help future generations understand the history of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and the sacrifices of the Manipuri patriots who suffered exile in Andaman.
Speaking further, Rakesh Naorem said the PAWF team felt deeply moved and proud to pay homage at Mount Manipur, a sacred remembrance site of their forefathers.
He also expressed concern that the history of the 23 exiled patriots and their sacrifices remains inadequately reflected in textbooks prescribed by the Education Department, Government of Manipur. He stressed the need to properly document and teach this chapter of Manipur’s history so that present and future generations can honour their legacy.
Rakesh Naorem further noted that Mount Harriet at Port Blair was officially renamed Mount Manipur by the Government of India on October 16, 2021, as a mark of respect to Manipur’s patriots. The area, earlier known as Mount Harriet National Park, is now recognised as Mount Manipur National Park. However, he said the site has not yet been properly developed as a heritage and memorial destination, and urged the Manipur Government, particularly the concerned departments, to take initiative in collaboration with the authorities there.
The programme was attended by PAWF President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, PAWF life members including former Chairman of Film Forum Manipur S. Mangoljao Singh, Ashangbam Jagjit, Chongtham Sangita, Langam Devendra, and other members, who also shared their views on preserving the legacy of the exiled patriots.
