111th death anniversary of martyr Major Chongtha Mia observed at Tripura
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18 2019:
Justice Committee for Anglo Manipuri War 1891 and Major Chongtha Mia Memorial Trust, Tripura jointly organized 111th death anniversary function of late Major Chongtha Mia, who had led a group of army in Khongjom War on April 25, 1891, while floral tributes and respect were paid to the late Major at his grave at Narayan Khamar in Tripura yesterday.
Leaders of CSOs from Manipur, family members of Major Chongtha Mia and Meitei settlers of Tripura descended at the last resting place of the late martyr yesterday morning and performed Tarpan at Sinnai river for the late martyr.
Speaking at the occasion, vice-chairman, Justice Committee for Anglo-Manipuri War 1891, Luwangcha Chingkhei said that the commemoration function was organized to show highest respect to the brave Martyr who had sacrificed his life for the motherland Manipur in Anglo-Manipuri War and added that it is unfortunate that the priceless contributions made by many of the fearless forefathers who were not mentioned and included in the history of Manipur, remained unknown till date.
He further said that Justice Committee has been continuously conducting research and study their contributions so that their legacy can be brought forth and recognized by the State Govt while adding that Justice Committee had earlier submitted a fact-finding report containing names other martyr of Manipur.
UCM Secy Gen, Khuraijam Athouba recounted the harsh treatment meted out to Major Chongtha Mia by the British at the Kala Pani jail in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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After his released from the Cellular jail, the then British political agent refused his entry in Manipur and Cachar, he added and said that Major Chongtha Mia then started staying at Naran Khamar in Tripura and breathed his last at the same place later.
He further said that the legacy of Major Chongtha Mia, which was remained unknown for long period of time, is now come to the fore due to relentless efforts of the Justice Committee.
A library in the name of Major Chongtha Mia will be established soon at Tripura by UCM, he added.
The 111th death anniversary of Major Chongtha Mia at Major Chongtha Mia Memorial Complex was attended by MLA Suryamani Nagar AC, Tripura Ram Prasad Paul; president Major Chongtha Mia Memorial Trust, G Nityai Sharma; vice-chairman Justice Committee, Luwangcha Chingkhei; Secy Gen UCM, Khuraijam Athouba; Advocate Ch Narendra and paid floral tributes at the memorial tomb of Major Chongtha Mia.
As part of the commemoration function, Chongtha Mia Memorial Thang Ta Academy was opened while UCM donated a sum of Rs 20,000 to establish a library in the name of Major Chongtha Mia.
Durgapur High School, which is located nearby the memorial complex, remained close for the day as a mark of respect to the late martyr.
MLA Ram Prasad Paul said that it is a priviledge for Tripura to have a memorial monument of brave martyr at Naran Khamar and added that every year people from Manipur visited the memorial site to pay respect to the late martyr in their search for brave soldier who had sacrificed their life for the cause of the motherland.
He appealed the gatherings that he will do everything in his capacity to fulfill any demand and wish for the development of the memorial site.
The function was also attended by president Kanglamei Y Leirik Leima, president KJL RK Sanahanbi, president CLK Ch Pakpi Chanu, finance secy KSA Thiyam Johnson, Athouba Chinglensana, Maibia Tamra Singh, Heirangkhonja and great grandson of Ngangba Kala.