Cementing ties with state diaspora needed, says Jayantakumar

By A Staff Reporter

AGARTALA | Aug 21

United Committee Manipur (UCM) in association with Programme Committee Tripura have organised the Tripura Manipur socio cultural meet at Sahid Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, Agartala, Tripura. 

Minister of art and culture, L. Jayantakumar who attended the meet as the chief guest, said a statue of major Chongthamiya, who took a big role in the war against the British and later exiled from his birthplace, to breathe his last in Naran Kharam village, Tripura, will be erected in the village.

 The occasion was attended by member of Meetei Students Union, Tripura, Sahitya Parishad and representatives of civil organisations. Jayantakumar further expressed that the meet was crucial and necessary for strengthening the bond between those Manipuris who had been staying at the said village.

He further urged that the people should not shy away from trying to find out their identity. One must try to protect one’s identity. The Manipuris who had settled at different places should not feel disheartened for being a minority. They should rather try to maintain their identity. Otherwise, fear will enter their lives when they are unable to know their roots, he added.

 It may be mentioned that major Chongthamiya (1841 – 1908) whose real name was Chongtham Iboton, was sent as a spy in disguise of a Muslim by Chandrakirti to draw information from the Muslims who were revolting against him. Chongthamiya was successful in his task and prevented much bloodshed from happening.  

He was an individual who took a major role in the war against the British. On May 12, 1891, a death sentence was passed against him for conspiring against the queen of England. He was to be hung on May 15, 1891. One the day of execution, a new order was passed and he was exiled to Andaman Nicoabar where he stayed till 1896. After his release, he went to Radha Kunda and Brindavan as the British prevented him from returning back to Manipur.

He arrived at Tripura in 1898 to stay with his relatives at Naran Kharan village, and last breathed his last there in 1908.   

President of UCM, Elangbam Johnson speaking on the occasion said that the effort to maintain a good relationship with Manipuris who has settled outside is crucial. He said Manipuris who have settled outside the state should not be bogged down by inferiority complex. One should be proud to assert his/her identity, he added. Johnson further said that UCM will provide all necessary help to the Manipuris who are settled in Tripura to get equal political and social rights.

Veteran writer of Tripura, L. Birmangal Singh and chairman of the reception committee, N. Niranjan Datta Das also attended the function as presidium members.