CM recalls the courage of our forefathers who had sacrificed for the cause of freedom
Source: IT News
Imphal, April 23 2018:
Chief Minister N.Biren Singh recalled the spirit, courage and sacrifices of our forefathers who had laid down their lives fighting the mighty British Empire for protection of the freedom of this erstwhile nation.
The Manipuris - Nagas, Kuki, Meitei and Meitei Pangal, even though small in number , fearlessly fought the mighty British soldiers, who were equipped with guns and Tops with only swards in their hands, the Chief Minister said and added that It was the spirit, courage and sacrifices that we need to regard in observing Khongjom Day .
Speaking at the occasion, Dr.Najma Heptulla urged the people of Manipur to build memorials for the martyrs and freedom fighters in their hearts apart from paying homage to the existing memorials.
The Governor said that paying homage to the war heroes would be meaningful only when people of the current generation collectively take a pledge to fight against poverty , deprivation, illiteracy , underdevelopment, discrimination and other social
evils.
Dr Heptulla recalled that brave Manipuri soldiers valiantly faced the mighty colonial British forces although they knew that they would be defeated.
She said that Khongjom war heroes knew that British troops were far better in weaponry and
larger in number , but they did have the will and desire to protect their motherland.
"While paying homage at the Khongjom War Memorial, we can imagine how the Manipuri war heroes fought the British forces with swords and little shields", she added.
The Governor said, "We are living in a free country today because of the supreme sacrifices made by these martyrs and freedom fighters" .
Dr. Heptulla also urged the people of the pressent generation to ask themselves everyday whether they had contributed their bit in nation building and bringing development.
In his speech, Deputy Chief Minister , Y.Joykumar reminded the gathering that Manipuris had to fight the Khongjom War with British forces due to
disunity among princes.