Body urges for Paona memorial
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 22 2022:
Paona Mongpham Protection and Celebration Committee, Arapati Maning Leikai, Thoubal has urged the state government to establish a memorial of Paona Brajabasi, who died at the hands of British soldiers during the Anglo-Manipuri war on April 23, 1891, at Yumkhaibam Hiden in Arapati Maning Leikai, wherein his final rites were performed.
Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club here on Friday, Committee president Y Bimol said that the descendants of Paona Brajabasi along with local club and Meira Paibi association have been holding observance every year on April 26, at the place where the final rites of Paona Brajabasi were conducted in 1891 .
The area used to be known as Singei circa 1891 but later came to be known as Chaobok Khongnang, then Heiyen Turel Khongban and so on, as per oral and written records.
Although consecutive governments were urged to construct a memorial in the area, no action has been taken up till date, which is highly unfortunate.
The memorial will not only serve as a reminder of Manipur's history but also help spread awareness among the future generations to come, in addition to instilling the spirit of strong will and determination to work towards their goals, he said and as such, urged the ruling government to look into the matter.