Relevance of Khongjom Day in contemporary Manipur
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 24, 2023 -

THE annual observance of Khongjom Day not only commemorates the valour and steely resolve of known and unknown Manipuri brave-hearts who defied the then powerful British regime and laid down their lives in the battle of Khongjom but also serves as a reminder to all about the consequences of disunity in any society.

The tribute event is generally marked by messages from government figures trying to instil sense of patriotism as exhibited by the Manipuri forefather and staging of play briefly reminiscing the circumstances that led to downfall of the kingdom of Manipur, then called as Kangleipak.

While successive Governors and chief ministers, among other public figures and organisations, convey greetings to the people, recall valour of Manipuri forefathers and exhort the masses to contribute towards the nation building process, it is an occasion for the proscribed outfits to legitimise the armed movement against the establishment on the ground that Manipur used to be independent and it was forcibly merged into the Indian union.

For the ordinary souls, the battle is a lesson learnt the hard way, grim reminder that sovereignty will be at peril whenever the people are disunited and disorganised and an occasion eager to rededicate and reaffirm pledge to preserve and protect the sovereignty and integrity.

None would disagree that the Battle of Khongjom is a story of heroism and patriotism of the great warriors of our land who fought against heavy odds, the outcome of which was a foregone conclusion as the then British regime had colonised over half the world.

Contrary to the now familiar speeches during every commemorative event that the battle of Khongjom epitomises the indomitable spirit and courage of the then comparatively poorly armed Manipuri soldiers and to ring out the message that the forefathers were the true patriots who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom of Manipur, people of contemporary society seem to lack either patriotism or sense of unity and spirit of sacrifice if one takes note of the fact that the state is frequently mired in political upheavals centred on power struggle and one-upmanship.

Regardless of the constant reminder that the Battle of Khongjom occurred as the British rulers capitalised on disunity and enmity among the Manipuri princes, whose craving for power ultimately deprived them the coveted throne and also made the princes and all Manipuris subjects of alien rulers for several decades, there has been no end to bickering and scheming among the political class to grab power or bag plump ministerial portfolio, a dominant feature of the past government as well as of the present.

Thus, it is obvious that without unity and sacrificial spirit among the legislators, it would be futile to hope that the masses in the multi-ethnic Manipur will harbour goodwill for one another.

In short, it is the so-called leaders who shall have to exhibit political integrity and unity and lead from the front so as to make the annual tribute event meaningful and should dedicate themselves for the future of Manipur and transform it to a strong self-reliant and versatile entity.