Cachar recalls exploits of Manipur Levy

Imphal, February 03 2013 : The "2nd Commemoration of Manipur Levy 2013" has been observed at Lakhipur in Cachar district of Assam marking 189 years since the establishment of the levy.
The commemorative function was organized by Manipur State Archives in association with the Barak Valley Meetei Convention, Lakhipur (BVMC) at Lakhipur Municipal Conference Hall on February 1 .
A booklet entitled 'Commemoration of Manipur Levy and One Day Seminar on Cachar Manipur Relation' was released as part of the observation.
Manipur State Archives Deputy Director K Sushila Devi, BVMC president Yengkhom Madanmohon Singh, Meetei Inat Thougal Lup, Jiribam president Thounaojam Khamba Luwang, Athouba Ningshing Lup Charitable Trust chairman Thoidingjam Dhirendra Singh, Meetei National Front, Jiri Branch president Hamom Dhani Meetei among others also attended the function.
At the event, floral tributes were also paid to late Gambhir Singh, the Maharaj of Manipur and the fallen soldiers of the Manipur Levy.
Addressing the gathering, Manipur State Archives Deputy Director Sushila said the Manipur Levy was set up in Cacharduring the 'Chahi Taret Khuntakpa' (Seven years Devastation) to defeat the Awas (Burmese) in 1824 with the help of theBritish.
Manipur Levy was organized by King Gambhir Singh and his brother Narsing, Sushila said recollecting the hardships faced by the Manipuris during the historical period.
The period of Seven Years Devastation (1819-1826) when the Burmese (Myanmarese) invaded Manipur is considered the most difficult and hardest timeof the Manipuris in its history.
Manipur Levy reoccupied the Imphal valley after it fought a fierce battle with the Awas (Burmese)on June 12, 1825 .
Sushila said the function is organised to make the future generation remember the historical event as it reclaimed the freedom of Manipur fromthe hands of the Burmese.
Apart from Gambhir Singh Maharaj and Narsingh Maharaj, prince Herachandra played significant roles in driving out the Awas from Manipur during the Seven Years Devastation.
At the function, dignitaries on the dais and other invites also spoke on the Cachar Manipur relation. (Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
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