Thousands pay tributes to Khongjom martyrs
Governor, Chief Minister call for peace, unity among people
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 23 2012: Manipur today paid rich tributes to brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives fighting the mighty British for defending the sovereignty of their motherland at Kheba hillock where the battle of Khongjom was fought in 1891 .

Organised by Government of Manipur, the Khongjom Day was observed on a grand scale Governor Gurbachan Jagat as Chief Guest.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, some MLAs and high ranking Government officials were also present at the occasion.

Besides, a large number of people from different parts of the state turned up at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex to their homage and tribute to the brave sons of Manipur like Paona Brajabashi, Chinglensana and many others whose name remained unknown to the people but made supreme sacrifices in the battle field.

CM Ibobi and Governor Gurbachand paying tributes

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat observed "Problems of insurgency and its ramifications such as abduction for ransom, extortion and killing continue while calling of frequent bandhs and blockades are taken for granted by various organizations.

On the other hand, it is disheartening to say that in a state which is famous for its Ima Keithel, Nupilal and Meira Paibis, the crime against women is on the rise.

These dark forces have been not only significantly hampering the pace of development and progress both in social and economic spheres of the state but also consuming the public money and energy of the government.

It is time for us to introspect and commit ourselves to bring the state among the comity of developed and peaceful states of the country" .

The Governor noted that Khongjom Day is observed at Khongjom War Memorial located at Kheba hill where the people of Manipur paid homage and respect to those brave sons of Manipur who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of the motherland in the historic battle of Khongjom in 1891 fighting against the invading Britishers.

"Observing the day rejuvenates our memory about the great patriotism and indomitable courage displayed by Paona Brajabashi and others who laid down their lives in the fight against the British, the then mightiest imperialist power", he added.

The Governor further noted that the battle of Khongjom was the bloodiest and decisive battle of the Anglo-Manipur War, after which the British Rule was established in Manipur, and urged the people of the state to learn from history that disunity and differences among the kings and princes of Manipur of that time weakened the nation thus enabling the British to annex Manipur to their empire.

"While celebrating the Day, we need to remember this lesson and renew our pledge to stand unitedly, for our strength lies in our unity", the Governor reminded the people.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that the freedom we are enjoying today is not a gift from the British, but the gift of the brave sons of the land who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland.

He called upon the people to stand united whenever there is threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur and be ready to fight for its protection.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur to maintain peace in the state, and understand that there can be no development without peace.

He also informed the gathering that the State Government is planning to make Khongjom, an eco-tourism spot, under a mega project which will cost around Rs 20 crores.

A water body with an aim to hold tourist attraction is also in the offing, he said adding that the tall trees on the Kheba hillock will also be replaced with shorter and leafy trees.

Thousands of people from different parts of the state turned up at Khongjom War Memorial to pay their respect to the brave sons of Manipur who gave up their lives for the sake of protecting the sovereignty of their motherland at the battle of Khongjom.

Offering of floral tributes to the statue of Paona Brajabashi and Tarpon at Khongjom River also marked the occasion.