127th Khongjom battle commemoration: Associations seek to straighten facts of Khongjom war
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, April 25 2018:
To commemorate and honour the martyrs and patriots of Khongjom battle, the Khongjom Battle Memorial Committee along with Justice Committee for Anglo-Manipur War 1891 Martyrs and Victims of Kangleipak organised 127th Khongjom battle commemoration at Tengol Lampat in Khongjom, Thoubal district.
The ceremony was organised as part of the 1st Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 Commemoration Month 2018.Laishram Phonindro Singh, GD Art and M Ed Pandit Khelchandra's son Dr N Devendra, Maibia Tamersing grandson M Jatishwor and Justrice Committee 1891 Chairman H Ibotombi Khuman attended the ceremony as dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Khongjom Battle Memorial Committee secretary Chingtam Luwang said that the committee has been organising Khongjom war commemoration for 24 years and the ceremony aims to leave a clear path and platform to spread awareness among the younger generation regarding the history of the State.
Claiming that the leaders of the State have somewhat deviated from some of the truths about the war, the secretary stated that the Anglo-Manipur war was fought at Tengol Lampak in Khongjom and not in Kheba Chingkhong.
He stated that the recovery of skeletons, arms and tools from Tengol Lampak itself proves it as the location of the war.
The secretary also claimed that the war took place on April 25 and not April 23 as is often recorded incorrectly in various documents and papers while adding that a justice committee comprised of renowned leaders and personalities had also been formed.
The Khongjom war is one the most significant, heartbreaking and disheartening war in the history of war with the British, he added.
United Chongthas president Chongtham Tomba motivated all to have the same courage and strength of the forefathers who died fighting the British empire.
He called on the historians and archaeologists of the State to take the initiative of figuring out the exact truth about the history of the State which seems to have caused confusion.
Many gathered to pay floral tributes to the patriots (including those who were not known by all) and freedom fighters of the State and the people also observed two minutes silence as a part of the occasion.