Tributes paid to Anglo-Manipuri war heroes
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 25 2022: Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters, Kangleipak in association with Sanakhya Lokendrabirjit, Sanakhya Chinglensana, Angousana Senapati and Sanakhya Jilangamba Memorial Committee of The Ningthemcha Ningshinglup, and Major Heirangkhongja Memorial Trust offered floral tributes to the heroes of 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War during a programme held at Khongjom Tengol Leikai community hall on Monday.

Sanakhya Chinglensana's descendant RK Meghajit, Sapam GP pradhan Sapam Rameshwar, Samram GP pradhan nominee Okram Joy, Justice Committee chairman Yumnamcha Dilipkumar and chief consultant H Ibotombi Khuman attended the programme as presidium members.

Sanakhya Lokendrabirjit Wangkheirakpa's granddaughter Dr RK Bidyabati spoke at length, recalling the accounts of the Battle of Khongjom on the occasion.

In a statement, Justice Committee informed that after Sanakhya Yaiskullakpa and Sengoisana were killed by the British in the battle of Thoubal Athokpam, the Royal Palace sent Yengkhoiba Major along with 700 armies followed by another column of 600 troops led by Major Chongthamia.

Paona Brajabasi along with Chinglensana, Heirangkhongja Major and 700 troops were sent to Khongjom.

On the other hand, Major Wangkhei Meiraba along with 700 troops foiled an infiltration of British army at Wangjing and he went to study the British position at Pallel.

However, his group was defeated by the British in the battle of Manaoching and he was also killed there.

The Tamu column of British army advanced further and faced a fierce battle with Manipuri army at Langathel, Khebaching and Langthabal.

As the troops led by Major Paona Barajabashi could not fight the British with their inferior arms, the major sent a despatch to Kangla with the request for sending cannons.

However, the British defeated them before reinforcement arrived.

Along with a large number of troops* Paona Brajabashi, Chinglensana, Heirangkhongja, Thabal and Haobam Angangcha made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting the British army, the statement added.

Meanwhile, Khongjom Battle Memorial Committee also paid floral tributes to the nameless soldiers who laid down their lives protecting the freedom of Manipur at the final battlefield of Anglo-Manipuri War Khongjom Tengol Lampak on Tuesday.

A release of the committee stated that the government sidelining the actual date of Khongjom War which is April 25 is unfortunate.

This is a clear case of distortion of historical facts, it said.

The release also said that the Committee will demand the government to make April 25 the official day of observance of Khongjom Day.

The observance was also attended by kin and families of the brave martyrs of the Khongjom War.

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