Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The Mount Manipur Memorial project is a significant initiative to honor the 23 exiled freedom fighters and martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War. To move forward, the Manipur Government should prioritize acquiring the necessary land and preparing the required documents. A suitable design for the memorial should be developed, reflecting the bravery and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. Expedited efforts will ensure the project’s timely completion, paying tribute to the martyrs and promoting national pride and unity.
This project aims to revive and expedite the construction of the Mount Manipur Memorial in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This memorial is a tribute to the 23 exiled freedom fighters and martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War, including Maharaja Kulachandra Dhaja Singh, who were exiled to the islands during the British colonial era.
Key Points
The project has been pending for over three years. The Hon’ble MP, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, has written to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah Ji, urging action for its revival and construction.
The memorial would reinforce emotional and historical ties between the Northeast and the Andaman Islands, promote national integration and unity, inspire patriotic sentiments among citizens and tourists, and boost heritage tourism and educational awareness in the region.
The project involves acquiring land from the Andaman administration, preparing proper documents, and starting layout works with a suitable design.
Importance of the Project
The Mount Manipur Memorial would be a lasting tribute to the brave Manipuri freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.
It would promote national integration and unity by highlighting the shared history and struggles of different regions.
The memorial would also boost heritage tourism and educational awareness in the region, inspiring patriotic sentiments among citizens and tourists.
Next Steps
The Manipur Government needs to acquire the necessary land from the Andaman administration and prepare proper documents for the project.
The government should start layout works and design a suitable memorial that reflects the sacrifices and bravery of the freedom fighters.
The project should be expedited to ensure its timely completion and to pay tribute to the martyrs.
Let’s hope that the project is completed soon, and the Mount Manipur Memorial becomes a symbol of national pride and unity.
The people of Manipur thank Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, for writing a letter to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah Ji, urging action for the revival and construction of the pending Mount Manipur Memorial at a suitable location in South Andaman.
The MP has also endorsed copies of the letter to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Secretary of A&N Islands for necessary action at their end, and has sent a copy to Shri Mukeshwar Lall, Historian & Member, A&N Islands UT, Heritage Committee., for his information and follow-up on the matter.
This request refers to a decision taken during the Hon’ble Home Minister’s visit to the islands on 17th October 2021, when Mount Harriet was officially renamed as Mount Manipur in tribute to the 23 brave Manipuri freedom fighters of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, including Maharaja Kulachandra Dhaja Singh, who were exiled to the islands during the British colonial era.
The Hon’ble MP has expressed concern over the delay in the implementation of the “Sword Monument” project — a promised tribute to the martyrs — which has seen little progress even after over three years. The letter further recalls the sacrifice of Yuvraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were publicly executed on 13th August 1891, a day now solemnly observed as “Patriots’ Day” in Manipur.
The Mount Manipur Memorial would reinforce emotional and historical ties between the Northeast and the Andaman Islands, promote national integration and unity, inspire patriotic sentiments among citizens and tourists, and boost heritage tourism and educational awareness in the region.
In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the AMWJU’s first tour to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — a team of 18 members — visited the islands for the first time after more than 110 years, on 17th February 2003, to trace and rediscover the historical links of their forefathers exiled there.
The people also extend thanks to Shri Mukeshwar Lall, Historian & Member, A&N Islands UT, Heritage Committee. for writing to the Governor of Manipur and the Chief Secretary.
