IMPHAL, April 27: The 14th Dark Day was observed on Friday organized by International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Shanglen, Palace Compound here.
Dr Kh Ratan, MLA, Mayang Imphal constituency, Elangbam Johnson, president IPSA and Dr N Joykumar, Department of History, Manipur University attended the event as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
April 27 is observed as “Dark Day” every year to commemorate the day when Manipur lost its independence in the hands of the British in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. On April 27, 1891 at 7 am, the British soldiers seized the capital Kangla of Kangleipak (Manipur) and hoisted the Union Jack after pulling down the national flag of the then Southeast Asian country of Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Ratan said efforts are on to repeal AFSFA from Manipur and the state government is pressing hard to the Central government on the issue.
He also said freedom will be gained only through peace, harmony and feeling of oneness and that communalism cannot bring a good society.
As a rejoinder to the statement made in the keynote address of the function, Ratan said more developments have been brought about by the O Ibobi led government in Manipur and further developmental works are being taken up in the state under his leadership.
He further retorted that the state government is constantly bringing pressure to the Centre to scrap AFSPA. He, however, said New Delhi rejected the proposal of withdrawal of the military Act in the state of Jammu and Kashmir due to its state of affairs.
Manipur will step into the path of further development if the people and the government go together, the MLA further suggested.