Martyrs fondly recalled on Khongjom Day ; CM stresses integrity of Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 23 2015 : "Manipur's territorial integrity which was safeguarded by our forefathers with their blood and sweat through ages would never be compromised under any circumstances", asserted Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

Ibobi made this statement at a public function held today at the Khongjom War Memorial complex of Kheba hillock in commemoration of the Battle of Khongjom.

Recalling the valour of Manipuri soldiers and the supreme sacrifices they made at the Battle of Khongjom in their efforts to safeguard the sovereignty of Manipur, Ibobi called upon the gathering to take a collective pledge to fight back all challenges and forces inimical to the integrity of Manipur howsoever strong they may be.

The Battle of Khongjom fought against invading British forces on April 23, 1891 is a major landmark in the history of Manipur.

Although the British forces were much superior in terms of weapons and number, the brave Manipuri forces were not intimidated.

Chief Minister Ibobi offering tributes at Khongjom river

Manipuri forces never surrendered to any one and they fought till the last man.

Such is the bright legacy left behind by the Battle of Khongjom, Ibobi remarked.

Regarding incursion and raids conducted by Myanmarese army at Choro Khunou in Ukhrul district, the Chief Minister stated that the matter would be discussed at a meeting of combined headquarters today itself.

The State Government would like to maintain cordial relationship with all neighbouring countries.

"We will never encroach upon their territories nor will we tolerate any form of incursion into our territory", Ibobi asserted.

Assam Rifles is entrusted to protect the international boundaries of the North Eastern region.

There are certain ambiguities or disputes with regard to the international boundary between Myanmar and the North East region and the matter was taken up at the level of the Defence Ministry.

There is no doubt Manipur is a free State within the Indian Union.

In fact, India was formed by merging together a number of independent kingdoms like Manipur, stated the Chief Minister.

There is no question of the Government of India interfering in the daily affairs of the State or the sanctity of its territorial integrity, Ibobi stated.

On account of disturbances posed by innumerable number of organisations and frequent bandhs and blockades on National Highways, many development projects have been delayed inordinately.

Nowhere in the world would one find three months' continuous economic blockade.

Even though 'they' claimed to be fighting for a cause, it was quite unfortunate that bombs were set off and many civilians were killed, Ibobi remarked without elaborating the 'they' he was referring to.

People would certainly like to ask whether such violent activities have taken them nearer to their goal.

Out of 34 National projects, the Jiribam-Tupul railway project is one which is progressing the most.

The project was earlier set for completion by December 2016.However, because of many disturbances, the target has been extended to 2018.Nonetheless, the railway network would reach Imphal by 2020 at the latest, Ibobi stated.

The railway project which would serve as the gateway to South East Asian countries is being delayed time and again by different factors, decried the Chief Minister.

The Khongjom Day function, where many Ministers, MLAs, top ranking civil and police officials were also present was presided by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

Led by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, the gathering paid floral tributes at the Khongjom War Memorial Pillar.

They also paid floral tributes to the statue of Paona Brajabashi.

This was followed by offering of tarpan at Khongjom rivulet.

A team of Manipur Rifles paid guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, sounding of last post, two minutes' silence, slope arms and order arms.

Apart from staging a play based on the Battle of Khongjom, the unique folk art form of Khongjom Parva was also performed on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangam stated that the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister O Ibobi has been working to develop Khongjom War Memorial as a popular tourist cum pilgrimage site.

The memorial complex would stand as a testimony of the birth of great patriots like Paona, Thangal, Tikendrajit et al on the soil of Manipur for generations to come, Gaikhangam added.