Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, January 5, 2026:
In a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle, a high-level delegation of 22 members from the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur, has embarked on a historic pilgrimage to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands today. The journey, flagged off from the sacred Western Gate of the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, aims to trace the footsteps of the Manipuri forefathers who were exiled to the penal colony of 'Kala Pani' following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
This initiative represents a deep cultural and emotional attempt to reconnect with a painful yet prideful chapter of the region's history. The team was formally flagged off by Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Former Minister and current MLA of Khurai Assembly Constituency, amidst a gathering of literary figures, activists, and family members.
Tracing the Footsteps of King Kulachandra
The nine-day expedition, scheduled from January 5 to January 13, 2026, is being led by Rakesh Naorem, the Secretary of PAWF Manipur. The primary objective of this mission is to pay homage to 23 freedom fighters, including the legendary King Kulachandra, who were banished to the Cellular Jail and the remote islands of Andaman by the British colonial administration. Speaking to the media at the flag-off ceremony, Rakesh Naorem highlighted the significance of the mission. He stated that the Patriotic Writers Forum is an organization committed to the love of the motherland, with chapters and sympathizers spread across Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and even neighboring nations like Myanmar and Bangladesh where the Manipuri diaspora resides. "This journey is a labor of love and duty. After the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, our brave forefathers sacrificed everything for the sovereignty of our land. They were sent to the 'Kala Pani'—a sentence worse than death at the time. We are going there to walk where they walked and to feel their struggle," Naorem explained. A unique and spiritual aspect of this journey is the plan to bring back soil from the locations where these heroes lived and suffered in exile. Naorem mentioned that this sacred soil would be offered and utilized whenever statues of these martyrs are erected in the future by any clan or public organization, serving as a spiritual link between the mainland and the place of their exile.A Diverse Delegation of Cultural Envoys
The 22-member team comprises a diverse group of writers, activists, and cultural icons, reflecting the broad societal support for this initiative. The delegation includes senior office bearers of the forum and prominent personalities from the Manipuri film industry. The delegation members is as follows:- Naoroibam Khamba Luwang - President, PAWF Manipur
- Rakesh Naorem - Secretary, PAWF Manipur (Team Leader)
- Sobita Mongjam - Former Vice President
- Chongtham Jibanlata - Life Member
- Samjetsabam Mangoljao - Renowned Senior Film Actor
- Samjetsabam Sangita
- Naorem Romila
- 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
Background & Context: The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891
To understand the weight of this journey, one must look back at the history of 1891. The Anglo-Manipur War was a short but significant armed conflict between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Manipur. Upon the British victory, the colonial rulers sought to dismantle the royal hierarchy to prevent future uprisings. As a result, King Kulachandra Dhwaja Singh, along with 22 other noblemen and fighters, was sentenced to transportation for life. They were shipped to the Andaman Islands, an area infamously known as 'Kala Pani', where prisoners faced isolation and harsh conditions. For decades, the story of these exiles remained a poignant folklore in Manipur, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for state sovereignty. In recent years, the Government of India has acknowledged this sacrifice. Notably, Mount Harriet in the Andamans was renamed "Mount Manipur" in honor of these freedom fighters, a move that was widely welcomed across the North East region. The PAWF’s visit reinforces this historical connection, ensuring that the legacy of 1891 remains alive in public memory.Impact on the Current Political Climate
While the core mission is historical, the event also served as a platform to address pressing contemporary issues facing Manipur. Rakesh Naorem utilized the occasion to speak on the current socio-political unrest that has plagued the state since May 2023. Addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Naorem appealed to both the state and central leadership. "We see the suffering of our people in relief camps. As we step into 2026, it is imperative that the government takes decisive action to restore normalcy so that these families can return to their original lives," he urged. He also touched upon the political structure, advocating for the swift formation of a "Popular Government." He emphasized that the people are weary of the uncertainty surrounding the administration and are calling for a robust, elected government that can effectively protect the lives and property of the citizens, rather than a continuation of President's Rule.MLA Susindro Clarifies on President’s Rule Rumors
The Chief Guest, MLA L. Susindro Meitei, lauded the writers' forum for their dedication to history. "Tracing the footsteps of our ancestors who gave up their lives for the land is a noble deed. It bridges the gap between today's generation and the sacrifices of the past," Susindro remarked. However, the MLA also took the opportunity to address swirling rumors regarding the political future of the state. Responding to media queries about the potential extension of President's Rule (PR) in Manipur, Susindro clarified that such decisions rest solely with the Central Government. "There is a lot of speculation in the media about whether PR will be extended or if a new government will be formed. It is surprising to see reports claiming to know the outcome with certainty. The reality is, the Centre will make the final decision," Susindro stated. He criticized the spread of unverified information, noting the irony that when a popular government was in power, some demanded President's Rule, and now that PR is in effect, there is a clamor for a government formation. He urged the media to rely on authentic sources to avoid creating confusion among the public during these sensitive times.Key Takeaways and Significance
This pilgrimage by the PAWF holds significance on multiple levels:- Cultural Preservation: It documents and validates the oral and written history of Manipur's resistance against British colonialism.
- Educational Value: By bringing back soil and stories, the forum educates the younger generation about the price of freedom.
- Regional Unity: The forum’s work connects Manipuris across the North East and internationally, fostering a sense of shared identity.
Conclusion
The departure of the 22-member team to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a reminder that history is not just about the past; it is a living part of the present identity of the region. As the Patriotic Writers Forum, led by Rakesh Naorem and Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, seeks to bring home the "sacred soil" of the 1891 martyrs, they are also attempting to ground the current generation in values of sacrifice and resilience. In a time when Manipur faces its own modern challenges, invoking the spirit of the 1891 heroes serves as a powerful call for unity and strength. The outcome of their journey, and the stories they return with, will undoubtedly enrich the cultural archives of the state.✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
