O Joy bemoans negligence of Gambhir Singh memorial
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 09 2022:
While asserting that the Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial complex at Canchipur is no less than the Khongjom war memorial complex, former Langthabal MLA Okram Joy Singh has expressed his displeasure over government's inattention towards development of the complex for a long time.
On the occasion of observing the 188th death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh on Sunday, O Joy recounted that Manipur was occupied by Awa (Burmese) from 1819 to 1825 and this period was known popularly as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa in the history of Manipur.
However, Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Narsingh led a force known as Manipur Levy and pushed back the invading Awa from the soil of Manipur and saved the then about to be uprooted society.
Maharaj Gambhir Singh once again raised the flag of independent Manipur at the then capital Canchipur.
It is proud to pay homage at memorial complex of the king who saved the society and gave a new life to the people of the land.
There had been many incidents including Khongjom war which almost uprooted Manipuri society.
Though Khongjom war memorial complex has been developed fully, Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial complex at Canchipur remains unattended for the past ten years or so, he said, adding that the Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial complex at Canchipur is no less than the Khongjom war memorial complex in significance.
According to O Joy, development works at Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial complex stopped ever since he lost election around ten years ago and this indeed is disheartening.
He then promised to develop Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial complex at Canchipur and other historic sites located nearby like Chandranadi Turel and Leishang Hiden if elected again.