Tracing the martial traditions of Manipur and their contribution to India’s Nation building
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Lt Gen (Dr) K Himalay Singh
The Ancient Military glories
The martial traditions of Manipur are many centuries old. Once described as “Asiatic power in Alliance with Her Majesty’, by the British Empire, Manipur is believed to have had a very well organised strategic culture and military traditions during the 14-19th centuries. Puyas have recorded the role of the highlanders such as “Khoibu” and ‘Taraos” and others in securing the frontiers against Burmese invasions. A unique martial arts “Thang Ta” was developed very early in its history. Another ancient unique institution known as “Lallup” functioned as support forces for the military since the ancient days.
Lallup system was in reality a type of conscription for war efforts wherein every able bodied male aged between 17 and 60 were required to render unpaid service to the State for 10 days in every 40 days cycle primarily for military and administrative work. Usage of Gun Powder is recorded during the period 1627 AD as per records of Manipur police. Manipuri army was organised into 14 Units (Tulis) under a ‘Lallup Chongba” (equivalent to a Major in British Indian Army Ranks). As per Captain Pemberton, the Royal stables of King Garib Nawaj housed approximately 3000 horses. The sacking of Sagaing in 1738 by the Manipuri army during the reign of King Pamheiba was the most remarkable military campaigns against the Burmese kings in present day Myanmar. The campaign took the Manipuri army deep inside the heart of Burma crossing the Irrawady River. The Burmese Army retaliated in good measure several times during the next 100 years. Manipuri Sagols (horses) were extensively employed for these military adventures. A Manipuri horseman with Arambai (Dart) was the most dreaded war machine among the Burmese forces. The famous “Kathey Horse”, entirely consisting of Manipuri horsemen raised by the Burmese King and led by a Manipuri General is also known to have invaded Siam (Thailand) during 1758.
The period of Burmese occupation of Manipur during 1819-1826 is known as ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ (Seven years devastation) in Manipur when the Burmese forces entered Manipur and neighbouring Ahom kingdom till they were driven out with the help of British forces which led to the ‘Treaty of Yandaboo’ 1826. Manipur Levy, raised by King Gambhir Singh in Cachar with the assistance of the British played a critical role in driving away the Burmese forces. Names of these Manipuri warriors are proudly displayed in the Gambhir Singh memorial located near Canchipur. Manipur Levy later became Manipur Rifles. Irregular and guerilla tactics employed by the remnant of Manipuri army under the leadership of Prince Herachandra against the occupying Burmese forces in Manipur are legendary. Manipuri forces played a significant role in 3rd Anglo-Burmese War of 1885 when Manipur assisted the British forces to defeat the Burmese under the guidance of Col Johnstone as mentioned in his book. A few years later, the invasion of Manipur by British forces in 1891 led to the battle of Khongjom in April 1891 and eventual defeat of Manipur Army at the hands of the British forces and the kingdom lost its full sovereignty. The historic battle was led by legendary Paona Major when almost the entire force was overwhelmed by the better armed British forces. These soldiers gave their lives fighting the colonial powers.
“Chinarol” (Way of the Warrior), one of the 3000 odd ‘Puyas” (Chronicles and other written records of yore) of the ancient Manipuri civilisation tell the ways of the Manipuri warriors through the 1st century till the 16th centuries. Chinarol lays down the rules and ethics of personal combat. Humanatarian aspects of the Chinarol aligns with the humanitarian laws of the present day in context and practice. Few examples are:-
1. Distinction between the civilian population and the combatants
2. Sparing the civilian population and their properties from harm
3. Honourable Treatment of wounded, and dead combatants
King Gambhir Singh in 1826 while fighting the Burmese forces instructed (written in archaic language) his forces, the Mani- pur Levy, on a code of conduct while operating against the fleeing Burmese forces;-
1. Do not strike the fleeing enemy from behind.
2. Hitting Brahmins, women, children, beggars were forbidden.
3. Any enemy without his spear and who holds palm together in submission or has climbed a tree or sits on a termite hill should not be killed.
4. Anyone reading a scripture, practising vocal music, or lepers even by mistake will attract divine retribution. Anyone who is asleep should not be killed.
The various forms of martial arts, the horse cavalry, the military traditions have over centuries shaped the society towards enduring commitment to a martial heritage in the State. The above principles and the laws of a warrior define the military values and are still relevant in India’s context, whose central principle is focussed on “just war.”
20th Century
During World War 1, the king of Manipur raised 2000 strong Labour Corps to assist the British forces in Europe. Over half of the personnel of the Labour Corps never made it back home to Manipur. Most of these personnel were from the Naga community of Manipur even though there were a small number of Meiteis and Kukis too.
During World War 2, Manipur became a battleground between the British forces and the Japanese forces complemented by the Indian National Army (INA) led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Many people of Manipur helped the INA, while the King continued to support the war efforts of the British empire. Among the many who were involved directly during the great war, names of Maharajkumar Captain PB Singh, the younger brother of the then monarch and Major Bob Khating, a Tangkhul were commissioned as officers by the British army during the war. Major Khating earned OBE (Order of the British Empire) and “Military Cross” for his exemplary role during the war. Major Khating was the first commissioned officer from the kingdom of Manipur and he played a crucial role while serving in V force of the British army in Burma. I had the unique privilege of having met both these legends of Manipur on a few occasions. Captain Rajkumar Madhurjit Singh and Captain Joy singh were others who were commissioned during the tumul- tuous period 1944-1949. Captain Madhurjit Singh (father of RK Meghen Singh, former Chairman of UNLF) was also closely associated with the establish- ment of VVF (Village Volunteer Force) during 1960s under Govt of India. I had the opportunity of meeting him during my childhood days at age 10, while undergoing a VVF weapon trai- ning and shooting activity near my village Charangpat during 1965-66 or so.
In the aftermath of India’s Independence and subsequent merger of the kingdom of Manipur to the Indian Union in 1949, the Manipuris have excelled in the field of military operations and its and associated matters. Mention may be made of late Lt Col H Bhuban Singh, commissioned during the late 1950s in the Corps of Engineers, was the first from Manipur to command an active Indian army unit during 1970s. Lt Col Bhuban Singh also served as Chairman of the State Public Service Commission. He was also president of the BJP in Manipur during 1980s and served as an MLA and a Minister. Others who were commissioned into the Armed Forces during 1950s as officers include the names of Sqn Ldr Ch Biren Singh, Major Shaiza, Flying officer RK Ronen Singh.
Many from the State were recruited in the personnel below the officer rank in various Arms and Services, particularly in the Assam Regiment during this period.
The Modern era
Col IS Chanam became the first Manipuri to be nominated for the prestigious Staff College course in Wellington in 1976 after a very stiff All India competition. Lt Col H Bhuban Singh and Col IS Chanam were serving in Ladakh when the 1962 Indo-China war took place. Colonel RK Jatrasana, Colonel IS Chanam who were commissioned during early 1960s made their mark in the army profession by rising to command their respective units. Later in late 1970s Col AB Sharma (Assam Regiment), Col KG Sharma (Artillery) commanded their respective units with elan. Wg Cdr Ak Deben of IAF commanded a transport unit during the period.
At least 10-14 officers were commissioned during Emergency/Short Service Commissions during 1962-1966, in the aftermath of Indo-China War 1962 and Indo-Pakistan war 1965. Many took part in these wars and performed well in the battlefield. Capt (Later IG Police, Delhi) KD Singh of BIHAR Regiment was wounded in battle during 1971 war (Op ORCHID). Late Major S Kipgen of Assam Regiment too was wounded in battle. During early 1970s, Manipur had Col LJ Singh of Naga Regiment, Col SK Singh of Gorkha Rifles, both from RIMC Deh- radun who were given command of active infantry units. Col Hanglem of Army Education Corps was promoted to the rank of Colonel Selection Grade sometime in 1980s.
Op VIJAY(KARGIL) 1999 to the Present
I had the privilege to command an infantry unit as part of Operation Vijay (Kargil) war as Commanding Officer of a RAJPUT unit in Turtuk/Siachen Sector. The unit under my command captured the strategic feature of in the sector in a fiercely fought battle of Point 5770 and awarded with Yudh Seva Medal. A total of seven (7) soldiers of Manipur from various units of the Army sacrificed their lives in the Kargil War fighting the enemy. Manipuris won two Vir Chakras during the war.
The glass ceiling was broken when I was promoted to the rank of Brigadier in 2006, thus becoming the first Brigadier and later the first Major General in 2010 from the State. I also had the honour of becoming the first Lt Gen in Indian Army from the North East India in 2014 and commanded a Corps in J&K in 2014. Later Lt Gen LN Singh of Intelligence Corps rose to become the 2nd three star rank officer from the State in 2016, a record to produce two Lt Gens from the State. Air Commodore Ranbir Singh became the first Manipuri to reach the star rank in Indian Air Force and rose to command an operational base of the IAF. Further, Col ID Singh of the Army Ordnance Corps, Col SK Sharma of Gorkha Rifles became COs, few amongst many of their contemporaries in late 1990s. Brig LI Singh, rose to the rank of Brigadier in 2011 becoming the third Brigadier from the State. Subsequently, during 2020 onwards Col N Romeo Singh of the Rajput Regiment, Col KJ Singh of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Col Hemochandra of Corps of Engineers, Col Khuman of Gorkha Rifles, and Col Jotin of the Parachute Regiment also rose to join the elite group of Manipuri officers to the rank of Brigadier. There have been at least 35 more officers who rose to the Select Ranks and were assigned command operational units in the three services of the Armed Forces of India.
National /Presidential Awards
Many officers and men have won gallantry and war distinguished service medals in various operations since 1947. Among them Late Major L Jotin of Army Medical Corps stands tallest with his being awarded with the highest National peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra in 2010. He grappled with a suicide bomber in Kabul to save his colleagues and made the supreme sacrifice on 26th Feb 2010.
Hav Tilok Singh Thapa of 2/8 GR was decorated with the first Vir Chakra from the State for his bravery during the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistan war. Col S Nector of Parachute Regiment and Col NB Singh of the Rajput Regiment earned their Kirti Chakras, 2nd highest peacetime gallantry award in counter insurgency operations in North East India/Manipur. Late Major NJD Singh of Gorkha Rifles (Sainik School Goalpara) laid down his life fighting the LTTE in Sri Lanka during OP Pawan in 1987. A grateful Nation bestowed the award of Vir Chakra posthumously. Nk Kamkholan of 7 ASSAM was also honoured with Vir Chakra for his bravery in OP PAWAN 1987.
Sepoy Asuli Mao of the Naga Regiment was conferred the Vir Chakra during the Kargil War 1999 for his action in the battle of Tololing. Hav Joseph Anal of 2 NAGA and earned the coveted Vir Chakra during the Kargil War.
The Param Vishist Seva Medal (2017), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (2016), and Ati Vishist Seva Medal (2012) for distinguished services in J&K were presented to me by the President of India in Rashtrapati Bhavan, thus becoming the only recipient of these medals in the State so far. Col (Later Brig) LI Singh became the second officer from Manipur to earn ‘Yudh Seva Medal’ for his role as a CO in the LOC during mid 2006-7. In addition to the above, many more prestigious gallantry awards include 5 (five) Vir Chakras, 14 (fourteen) Shaurya Chakras and 55 (fifty five) Sena Medals, 5 (five) VSMs and 7 (Seven) Mentioned-in-Despatches have been won by our officers and men from the State serving in Indian defence forces in the period till date. Over 90 (ninety) servicemen from the State have been Killed in Action in various operations so far since 1962. These achievements speak volumes of the contributions of the Manipuris to the Nation.
The Legacy Continues
Till early 1980s, most of those commissioned were from RIMC, Dehradun; Sainik School, Goalpara Assam, Sainik School, Purulia (WB) and NCC entries. Later, Sainik School, Imphal contributed significant number of officers in the Armed Forces of the Union. Many more from civil colleges, doctors, engineers and other graduates joined the Armed forces in the latter years. There were no looking back thereafter. In comparison, no other State in Eastern India have contributed so much to the Nation building by so few from Manipur. By 2025, the State with a population of 28 lakh, is credited to have contributed over 450 service officers including over 40 lady officers in different streams of the military. Approximately 6000 are presently serving in various personnel below the officer ranks, the highest from North East India less Assam. The veteran commu- nity in Manipur have been engaged in various meaningful activities for the good of society in every field as well.
There are over 13000 Ex-Servicemen and women in the State at present. Many amongst them rose to be honoured with Honorary ranks of Captain too for their exemplary service to the Nation.
Manipur and Manipuris should rightfully be proud of all their gallant sons and daughters who have contributed significantly to India’s Nation building and will continue to do so in the future. Be it in war or in aid of civil authorities , they have performed beyond the call of duty and delivered victory to REPUBLIC OF INDIA.
The writer commanded a Corps in J&K and is a former Chairman MPSC
The Ancient Military glories
The martial traditions of Manipur are many centuries old. Once described as “Asiatic power in Alliance with Her Majesty’, by the British Empire, Manipur is believed to have had a very well organised strategic culture and military traditions during the 14-19th centuries. Puyas have recorded the role of the highlanders such as “Khoibu” and ‘Taraos” and others in securing the frontiers against Burmese invasions. A unique martial arts “Thang Ta” was developed very early in its history. Another ancient unique institution known as “Lallup” functioned as support forces for the military since the ancient days.
Lallup system was in reality a type of conscription for war efforts wherein every able bodied male aged between 17 and 60 were required to render unpaid service to the State for 10 days in every 40 days cycle primarily for military and administrative work. Usage of Gun Powder is recorded during the period 1627 AD as per records of Manipur police. Manipuri army was organised into 14 Units (Tulis) under a ‘Lallup Chongba” (equivalent to a Major in British Indian Army Ranks). As per Captain Pemberton, the Royal stables of King Garib Nawaj housed approximately 3000 horses. The sacking of Sagaing in 1738 by the Manipuri army during the reign of King Pamheiba was the most remarkable military campaigns against the Burmese kings in present day Myanmar. The campaign took the Manipuri army deep inside the heart of Burma crossing the Irrawady River. The Burmese Army retaliated in good measure several times during the next 100 years. Manipuri Sagols (horses) were extensively employed for these military adventures. A Manipuri horseman with Arambai (Dart) was the most dreaded war machine among the Burmese forces. The famous “Kathey Horse”, entirely consisting of Manipuri horsemen raised by the Burmese King and led by a Manipuri General is also known to have invaded Siam (Thailand) during 1758.
The period of Burmese occupation of Manipur during 1819-1826 is known as ‘Chahi Taret Khuntakpa’ (Seven years devastation) in Manipur when the Burmese forces entered Manipur and neighbouring Ahom kingdom till they were driven out with the help of British forces which led to the ‘Treaty of Yandaboo’ 1826. Manipur Levy, raised by King Gambhir Singh in Cachar with the assistance of the British played a critical role in driving away the Burmese forces. Names of these Manipuri warriors are proudly displayed in the Gambhir Singh memorial located near Canchipur. Manipur Levy later became Manipur Rifles. Irregular and guerilla tactics employed by the remnant of Manipuri army under the leadership of Prince Herachandra against the occupying Burmese forces in Manipur are legendary. Manipuri forces played a significant role in 3rd Anglo-Burmese War of 1885 when Manipur assisted the British forces to defeat the Burmese under the guidance of Col Johnstone as mentioned in his book. A few years later, the invasion of Manipur by British forces in 1891 led to the battle of Khongjom in April 1891 and eventual defeat of Manipur Army at the hands of the British forces and the kingdom lost its full sovereignty. The historic battle was led by legendary Paona Major when almost the entire force was overwhelmed by the better armed British forces. These soldiers gave their lives fighting the colonial powers.
“Chinarol” (Way of the Warrior), one of the 3000 odd ‘Puyas” (Chronicles and other written records of yore) of the ancient Manipuri civilisation tell the ways of the Manipuri warriors through the 1st century till the 16th centuries. Chinarol lays down the rules and ethics of personal combat. Humanatarian aspects of the Chinarol aligns with the humanitarian laws of the present day in context and practice. Few examples are:-
1. Distinction between the civilian population and the combatants
2. Sparing the civilian population and their properties from harm
3. Honourable Treatment of wounded, and dead combatants
King Gambhir Singh in 1826 while fighting the Burmese forces instructed (written in archaic language) his forces, the Mani- pur Levy, on a code of conduct while operating against the fleeing Burmese forces;-
1. Do not strike the fleeing enemy from behind.
2. Hitting Brahmins, women, children, beggars were forbidden.
3. Any enemy without his spear and who holds palm together in submission or has climbed a tree or sits on a termite hill should not be killed.
4. Anyone reading a scripture, practising vocal music, or lepers even by mistake will attract divine retribution. Anyone who is asleep should not be killed.
The various forms of martial arts, the horse cavalry, the military traditions have over centuries shaped the society towards enduring commitment to a martial heritage in the State. The above principles and the laws of a warrior define the military values and are still relevant in India’s context, whose central principle is focussed on “just war.”
20th Century
During World War 1, the king of Manipur raised 2000 strong Labour Corps to assist the British forces in Europe. Over half of the personnel of the Labour Corps never made it back home to Manipur. Most of these personnel were from the Naga community of Manipur even though there were a small number of Meiteis and Kukis too.
During World War 2, Manipur became a battleground between the British forces and the Japanese forces complemented by the Indian National Army (INA) led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Many people of Manipur helped the INA, while the King continued to support the war efforts of the British empire. Among the many who were involved directly during the great war, names of Maharajkumar Captain PB Singh, the younger brother of the then monarch and Major Bob Khating, a Tangkhul were commissioned as officers by the British army during the war. Major Khating earned OBE (Order of the British Empire) and “Military Cross” for his exemplary role during the war. Major Khating was the first commissioned officer from the kingdom of Manipur and he played a crucial role while serving in V force of the British army in Burma. I had the unique privilege of having met both these legends of Manipur on a few occasions. Captain Rajkumar Madhurjit Singh and Captain Joy singh were others who were commissioned during the tumul- tuous period 1944-1949. Captain Madhurjit Singh (father of RK Meghen Singh, former Chairman of UNLF) was also closely associated with the establish- ment of VVF (Village Volunteer Force) during 1960s under Govt of India. I had the opportunity of meeting him during my childhood days at age 10, while undergoing a VVF weapon trai- ning and shooting activity near my village Charangpat during 1965-66 or so.
In the aftermath of India’s Independence and subsequent merger of the kingdom of Manipur to the Indian Union in 1949, the Manipuris have excelled in the field of military operations and its and associated matters. Mention may be made of late Lt Col H Bhuban Singh, commissioned during the late 1950s in the Corps of Engineers, was the first from Manipur to command an active Indian army unit during 1970s. Lt Col Bhuban Singh also served as Chairman of the State Public Service Commission. He was also president of the BJP in Manipur during 1980s and served as an MLA and a Minister. Others who were commissioned into the Armed Forces during 1950s as officers include the names of Sqn Ldr Ch Biren Singh, Major Shaiza, Flying officer RK Ronen Singh.
Many from the State were recruited in the personnel below the officer rank in various Arms and Services, particularly in the Assam Regiment during this period.
The Modern era
Col IS Chanam became the first Manipuri to be nominated for the prestigious Staff College course in Wellington in 1976 after a very stiff All India competition. Lt Col H Bhuban Singh and Col IS Chanam were serving in Ladakh when the 1962 Indo-China war took place. Colonel RK Jatrasana, Colonel IS Chanam who were commissioned during early 1960s made their mark in the army profession by rising to command their respective units. Later in late 1970s Col AB Sharma (Assam Regiment), Col KG Sharma (Artillery) commanded their respective units with elan. Wg Cdr Ak Deben of IAF commanded a transport unit during the period.
At least 10-14 officers were commissioned during Emergency/Short Service Commissions during 1962-1966, in the aftermath of Indo-China War 1962 and Indo-Pakistan war 1965. Many took part in these wars and performed well in the battlefield. Capt (Later IG Police, Delhi) KD Singh of BIHAR Regiment was wounded in battle during 1971 war (Op ORCHID). Late Major S Kipgen of Assam Regiment too was wounded in battle. During early 1970s, Manipur had Col LJ Singh of Naga Regiment, Col SK Singh of Gorkha Rifles, both from RIMC Deh- radun who were given command of active infantry units. Col Hanglem of Army Education Corps was promoted to the rank of Colonel Selection Grade sometime in 1980s.
Op VIJAY(KARGIL) 1999 to the Present
I had the privilege to command an infantry unit as part of Operation Vijay (Kargil) war as Commanding Officer of a RAJPUT unit in Turtuk/Siachen Sector. The unit under my command captured the strategic feature of in the sector in a fiercely fought battle of Point 5770 and awarded with Yudh Seva Medal. A total of seven (7) soldiers of Manipur from various units of the Army sacrificed their lives in the Kargil War fighting the enemy. Manipuris won two Vir Chakras during the war.
The glass ceiling was broken when I was promoted to the rank of Brigadier in 2006, thus becoming the first Brigadier and later the first Major General in 2010 from the State. I also had the honour of becoming the first Lt Gen in Indian Army from the North East India in 2014 and commanded a Corps in J&K in 2014. Later Lt Gen LN Singh of Intelligence Corps rose to become the 2nd three star rank officer from the State in 2016, a record to produce two Lt Gens from the State. Air Commodore Ranbir Singh became the first Manipuri to reach the star rank in Indian Air Force and rose to command an operational base of the IAF. Further, Col ID Singh of the Army Ordnance Corps, Col SK Sharma of Gorkha Rifles became COs, few amongst many of their contemporaries in late 1990s. Brig LI Singh, rose to the rank of Brigadier in 2011 becoming the third Brigadier from the State. Subsequently, during 2020 onwards Col N Romeo Singh of the Rajput Regiment, Col KJ Singh of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Col Hemochandra of Corps of Engineers, Col Khuman of Gorkha Rifles, and Col Jotin of the Parachute Regiment also rose to join the elite group of Manipuri officers to the rank of Brigadier. There have been at least 35 more officers who rose to the Select Ranks and were assigned command operational units in the three services of the Armed Forces of India.
National /Presidential Awards
Many officers and men have won gallantry and war distinguished service medals in various operations since 1947. Among them Late Major L Jotin of Army Medical Corps stands tallest with his being awarded with the highest National peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra in 2010. He grappled with a suicide bomber in Kabul to save his colleagues and made the supreme sacrifice on 26th Feb 2010.
Hav Tilok Singh Thapa of 2/8 GR was decorated with the first Vir Chakra from the State for his bravery during the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistan war. Col S Nector of Parachute Regiment and Col NB Singh of the Rajput Regiment earned their Kirti Chakras, 2nd highest peacetime gallantry award in counter insurgency operations in North East India/Manipur. Late Major NJD Singh of Gorkha Rifles (Sainik School Goalpara) laid down his life fighting the LTTE in Sri Lanka during OP Pawan in 1987. A grateful Nation bestowed the award of Vir Chakra posthumously. Nk Kamkholan of 7 ASSAM was also honoured with Vir Chakra for his bravery in OP PAWAN 1987.
Sepoy Asuli Mao of the Naga Regiment was conferred the Vir Chakra during the Kargil War 1999 for his action in the battle of Tololing. Hav Joseph Anal of 2 NAGA and earned the coveted Vir Chakra during the Kargil War.
The Param Vishist Seva Medal (2017), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (2016), and Ati Vishist Seva Medal (2012) for distinguished services in J&K were presented to me by the President of India in Rashtrapati Bhavan, thus becoming the only recipient of these medals in the State so far. Col (Later Brig) LI Singh became the second officer from Manipur to earn ‘Yudh Seva Medal’ for his role as a CO in the LOC during mid 2006-7. In addition to the above, many more prestigious gallantry awards include 5 (five) Vir Chakras, 14 (fourteen) Shaurya Chakras and 55 (fifty five) Sena Medals, 5 (five) VSMs and 7 (Seven) Mentioned-in-Despatches have been won by our officers and men from the State serving in Indian defence forces in the period till date. Over 90 (ninety) servicemen from the State have been Killed in Action in various operations so far since 1962. These achievements speak volumes of the contributions of the Manipuris to the Nation.
The Legacy Continues
Till early 1980s, most of those commissioned were from RIMC, Dehradun; Sainik School, Goalpara Assam, Sainik School, Purulia (WB) and NCC entries. Later, Sainik School, Imphal contributed significant number of officers in the Armed Forces of the Union. Many more from civil colleges, doctors, engineers and other graduates joined the Armed forces in the latter years. There were no looking back thereafter. In comparison, no other State in Eastern India have contributed so much to the Nation building by so few from Manipur. By 2025, the State with a population of 28 lakh, is credited to have contributed over 450 service officers including over 40 lady officers in different streams of the military. Approximately 6000 are presently serving in various personnel below the officer ranks, the highest from North East India less Assam. The veteran commu- nity in Manipur have been engaged in various meaningful activities for the good of society in every field as well.
There are over 13000 Ex-Servicemen and women in the State at present. Many amongst them rose to be honoured with Honorary ranks of Captain too for their exemplary service to the Nation.
Manipur and Manipuris should rightfully be proud of all their gallant sons and daughters who have contributed significantly to India’s Nation building and will continue to do so in the future. Be it in war or in aid of civil authorities , they have performed beyond the call of duty and delivered victory to REPUBLIC OF INDIA.
The writer commanded a Corps in J&K and is a former Chairman MPSC