Reflecting on the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War, CorCom described it as an event to defend the integrity and sovereignty of Manipur, crafted through thousand years of “blood and sacrifice.”
TFM Desk
On the occasion of the 134th anniversary of Khongjam Laan Numit, the proscribed group CorCom paid rich tribute to all patriots of Manipur who “had the will and power to sacrifice their lives for maintaining the freedom and sovereignty of the land.”
In a press release, CorCom stated that the unwavering resistance of Manipur’s forefathers against the British Empire, despite their military disadvantage, was driven by a commitment to protect the region’s freedom and sovereignty while instilling “the sense of unscaled patriotism.” The group emphasized, “This was an unmistakable rich message for the people who are still fighting to restore the sovereignty of Manipur and also the future generation.” CorCom further asserted, “This has renewed the reminder that we should never ignore our rich historical experience, which has already been sidelined by those who have been mentally enslaved by dependency on a bigger nation.”
Reflecting on the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War, CorCom described it as an event to defend the integrity and sovereignty of Manipur, crafted through thousand years of “blood and sacrifice.” The committee highlighted that the war not only showcased the valour of Manipur’s people but also the “true spirit of courage and bravery by the mothers of Manipur who were even willing to sacrifice their own children by sending teenagers and youth like Sengoisana, Heirangkhongja, and Chinglensana to war—akin to throwing them on the jaws of death.”
CorCom recounted the fall of Kangla, detailing how Lt. Col. RHF Rennick’s Silchar Column, aided by Kohima and Tamu Columns, launched a military campaign at 7 am on Monday morning, April 27, 1891. Despite the British victory, CorCom insisted, “Even though the British were able to defeat the physical might of the Manipur people, they could not conquer the spirit of independence and sovereign land. For the people, this was a war they had already won through exemplary valour and heroism.”
The group acknowledged that despite unity among volunteers from the hills and valleys, Manipur’s defeat in the 1891 Khongjom War stemmed from “untimely and organizational weakness of the people besides the failure to raise a strong standing army that could continue the war.” CorCom urged unity and solidarity among all communities, calling for a “battle-ready spirit” to secure a brighter future for Manipur.
The tribute underscored proscribed groups CorCom’s reverence for the sacrifices of Manipur’s ancestors while reinforcing its resolve to continue the struggle for sovereignty, framed by lessons from the past.