EMA Trust installs commemorative board at Mount Manipur to honour unsung heroes of Anglo-Manipur War

In a significant step towards preserving India’s lesser-known freedom struggle narratives, the Egalitarian Manipur of the Altruists (EMA) Trust, a registered organisation based in Manipur, on Tuesday, January 6 inaugurated a Commemorative Board of historical significance at Mount Manipur in South Andaman. The initiative seeks to highlight the deep-rooted historical link between Manipur and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, forged through shared sacrifices and courage.

The commemorative board, bearing the theme “Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Manipur: Separated by Distance but Connected Through a History of Courage and Sacrifice,” was formally inaugurated by Aswin J. Parihar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), South Andaman, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The solemn ceremony was organised at Mount Manipur on January 6, 2026, in the presence of officials, stakeholders and invited guests.

Among those present was Mr Rajshekhar, Logistics Manager of Experience Andamans Tours Pvt. Ltd., a leading tour operator in the islands, underscoring the growing synergy between heritage preservation and tourism promotion.

The installation of the board forms part of EMA Trust’s ongoing programme titled “Cultural and Youth Development through Revisiting the Unsung Heroes of Manipur of Historical Significance.” Through this initiative, the Trust aims to revive and promote awareness about the historic connection between Manipur and the Andamans, with particular emphasis on the 23 unsung war heroes of Manipur who were exiled by the British to the penal settlement at Mount Manipur—formerly known as Mount Harriet—following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

The commemorative board stands as a tribute to these forgotten freedom fighters and serves as a vital instrument for preserving national heritage, spreading historical awareness and inspiring future generations with the values of courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation. The Trust also highlighted Manipur’s significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle, a legacy formally acknowledged when the Government of India renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur in October 2021.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Aswin J. Parihar commended EMA Trust for its meaningful initiative and stressed the importance of preserving historical landmarks alongside environmental conservation. He noted that such efforts play a crucial role in educating visitors and future generations about the historical relevance of Mount Manipur.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr Rajshekhar of Experience Andamans Tours Pvt. Ltd. stated that initiatives of this nature would significantly enhance heritage tourism at Mount Manipur and deepen visitors’ engagement with India’s freedom struggle history.

During the programme, members and representatives of EMA Trust expressed their gratitude to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for its cooperation and support in facilitating the installation of the commemorative board. Reaffirming their commitment to nation-building, they emphasised the Trust’s resolve to uphold fundamental duties with selflessness and pride.

They further expressed confidence that the commemorative board would serve as an educational and motivational medium for tourists, historians, students and patriotic citizens from across the country, thereby contributing to enhanced cultural tourism in both the Andamans and Manipur.

The ceremony concluded with an interaction among officials and attendees, reaffirming a collective commitment to preserve and promote India’s rich historical and cultural legacy.