Stage set for Khongjom Dav, many pay tributes
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal/Imphal, April 22 2022:
As observed every year to commemorate the Battle of Khongjom 1891, the state is set to pay rich tributes to the brave sons of Manipur on the occasion of Khongjom Day which is held every year on April 23 at Khongjom War Memorial Complex, Khebaching in Thoubal district.
The day is observed to honour the gallant Manipuri warriors including Major Paona Brajabashi who made supreme sacrifice fighting against the British to protect the freedom of Manipur in the battle of Khongjom during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war.
Governor La Ganeshan and chief minister N Biren Singh will attend the observance function as the chief guest and the president respectively.
They will lead the public in laying of floral wreaths at Khongjom War Memorial, which will be followed by presentation of guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, sounding of last post, two minutes' silence, slope arms and order arms by a contingent of Manipur Rifles.
There will also be wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Paona Brajabasi followed by a gun salute at the base of the statue.
As had been the tradition, Tarpon would be offered in Khongjom river and play on Khongjom Lal (Khongjom War) will be staged by Art & Culture department on the occasion.
Thoubal district administration is taking up all necessary measures for a successful observance.
The district administration, officials and staff members of different departments, including Thoubal SP, SDO, EE (PWD), EE (WR), EE (PHED), AE (MI), Wangjing Lamding Municipal Council, Thoubal Fire service and NYK volunteers, among others, have been preparing in coordination for smooth conduct of the function.
This year the district administration is expecting large number of public attendance as the observance was curtailed for the last two years due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The state government has arranged for free bus service to transport government employees, public and devotees from Imphal to Khebaching and back in connection with the observance.
One bus each will be stationed at Manipur Public School, Koirengei; Lamboi Khongnangkhong Ground and DC Office Porompat which will depart at 6.30 am.
A total of four buses will be stationed at MST Complex, Moirangkhom which is scheduled to depart at 6 am, 6.30 am, 7 am and 7.30 am.
Manipur Governor La Ganesan, chief minister N Biren Singh and others greeted the people of Manipur and paid tributes to the brave Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives fighting the British forces in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 on the solemn occasion of Khongjom Day which falls on Saturday.
In his message, Governor Ganesan said that while paying homage to the valiant heroes who fell at the battle of Khongjom and other fronts in the Anglo-Manipuri War, the people must renew their vow to preserve and defend the sovereignty of the country and prepare to face any challenge that might come.
Meanwhile, chief minister Biren urged the people to resolve to set aside differences and commit ourselves to uphold the unity and integrity of the country and to give the best in transforming the state into a self-reliant and prosperous one.
In separate releases, minister Y Khemchand Singh, minister Th Biswajit Singh, Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata Singh and Mayang Imphal AC MLA K Robindro Singh paid tributes to the martyrs of the Anglo Manipuri War, 1891 .