CorCom salutes martyrs of Khongjom War
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 22 2012:
Co-ordinating Committee (CorCom), the unified body of seven revolutionary organisations (KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK(Pro), RPF, UNLF & UPPK) today paid revolutionary salute to the martyrs who laid down their lives defending the sovereignty of Manipur in the battle of Khongjom on April 23, 1891 .
In a statement, CorCom recalled how the army in Manipur of that time helped the British Empire in their quest to conquer the neighbouring countries of Manipur.
The British conquered southern Assam in 1826, Cachar in 1832, northern Assam in 1842, Naga inhabited areas in 1866, Lushai hills in 1872, Kohima in 1878-79, Southern Burma in 1852 and Northern Burma in 1885.The Meeteis helped the British army in conquering Burma again in 1885, Kohima and Lushai hills.
After helping the British, Meeteis developed a bitter relation with the neighbouring countries and it lead to a lone war with the British in 1891 .
At that time, political situation in Manipur was not in good condition with princes fighting for the throne.
Relation of the kings with their people was also not good and most of the people were spending their days in a more lazier lifestyle after the advent of Hinduism leaving behind the good old lifestyle of alertness and tactful in warfare.
Taking advantage of the situation, the British attacked Manipur to keep it under their control.
In such times, the Manipuris have none behind their back to help in fighting the British army.
However, the brave sons of Manipur did not lost their heart and stood firmly against the mighty British and fought against them without any hope of saving Manipur from them, the statement observed.
It was their valour and martyrdom which kept them fighting with the British till their last breath, CorCom stated, while adding that the incident and the act of valour of the Manipuris was an inspiration for the people of the state in its freedom movement today.