Manipur: KSA flags NCERT for 'distorted' history in new textbook, seeks corrections
Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) has identified several factual errors and misleading claims regarding Manipur’s history in the NCERT textbook “North East India – People, History and Culture.” It has also demanded immediate rectification of the errors.
According to the student body, the chapter titled “Manipur – Jewel of India” contains major historical distortions.
Regarding the merger with India, the students’ body stated that the textbook incorrectly mentions that the merger was based on the Manipur Constitution Act of 1947.
The KSA clarified that Manipur had its own Constitution, and the merger was signed under duress after Maharaja Bodhchandra was summoned to Shillong in 1949.
Regarding the Moirang flag hoisting, it stated that the chapter falsely claims Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the National flag at Moirang on April 14, 1944. The KSA said that historically there is no record of Netaji visiting Manipur.
It added that the flag hoisted was the Indian National Army’s (INA) “Springing Tiger” flag, unfurled by Colonel Shaukat Ali.
Referring to the state tree, the KSA said the textbook misidentifies Manipur’s state tree as “Toon,” whereas it is actually “Uningthou” (wood king in Manipuri), also known as Bonsum (botanical name: Phoebe hainesiana or Phoebe bootanica).
The chapter also wrongly asserts that Bir Tikendrajit, the crown prince of Manipur, was hanged on May 23 and that this date marks Patriots’ Day. The KSA clarified that he was hanged by the British on August 13, 1891, which is the actual date of the statewide observance.
Denouncing these discrepancies as “very unfortunate” and highly misleading, the KSA has urged NCERT and relevant authorities to urgently review and correct the content before it is recommended to students.