TODAY -

Geographical area of Manipur at the time of merger was 18,000 square miles : CM
State pays homage to Khongjom War heroes
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 23 2023: Manipur today observed the Khongjom Day and paid befitting tributes to the heroes of Khongjom War (Anglo-Manipur War) .

The main event was held at Kheba Ching at Khongjom in Thoubal district.

The observation began with laying of wreaths led by Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren Singh at the Khongjom War Memorial.

Following a guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, sounding of last post, two-minutes silence, slope arms and order arms, floral wreaths were also laid at the statue of Paona Brajabashi with guard of honour and gun salute.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said today is the day of remembering the heroes of Manipur and paying homage to those patriots who laid down their lives fighting against the British in 1891 is a fitting moment.

"While observing this day, we need to remember that foreign powers become active only when there are internal conflicts", the Governor said.



Geographical area of Manipur at the time of merger was 18,000 square miles : CM
Geographical area of Manipur at the time of merger was 18,000 square miles : CM


She asserted that the Khongjom War is the most important event in the history of Manipur.

There are many unknown heroes who fought against foreign forces like the British in villages, mountains, places like Manipur and awakened the spirit of freedom in the people, she said adding "We need to remember them also" .

They are being remembered during the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, she highlighted.

She said the sacrifices of Manipur's heroes like Major Paona Brajabashi, Major Chongtham Mia, Chinglen Sana, Major Khumbong, Major Loitongba and many more are important and there is a need to remember them.

"Today, we are citizens of a free India and our independence is not a gift of the British, but a result of long struggle and sacrifices", she said.

It is the responsibility of the youth to maintain and protect the dignity, freedom and sovereignty of the country, she said, highlighting that independence should not be interpreted in the narrow sense of separatism and regionalism.

Any threat or challenge, whether external or internal, must be faced unitedly and courageously, she added.

She further appealed to the youth of the State to reject violence and join the mainstream to work for development and progress of the country.

"I request you that in the year of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, we also remember all such unsung heroes who fought for freedom.

Statues of such great sons should be installed in their villages and the younger generation should be told about them", Anusuiya Uikey said.

"On this occasion of Khongjom Day, let us pay homage not only to the patriots who laid down their lives for the freedom of their motherland, but also to the innumerable freedom fighters of India who made selfless sacrifices for India", she said.

"We should also remember our pledge to maintain and protect the independence and sovereignty of our country and its dignity", she added.

Delivering his presidential speech, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, "Today we are remembering those who had sacrificed their lives 132 years ago in 1891 for their motherland.

"We all know why and how the Khongjom War was fought.

Despite knowing the disadvantages of being ill-equipped and outnumbered, our brave forefathers fought the British", Biren said.

"Today, what is important is the question whether today's generation is able to safeguard, preserve the freedom and independence given to us by our brave forefathers", the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister recounted a brief account of the war and recalled how Pukhrambam Kajao killed Mr Grimwood, the then Political Agent of Manipur with his spear.

He recounted the public uproar in Manipur against the British's decision to send Maharaja Kullachandra and others to a jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the eventual release of the Maharaja owing to the public uproar.

The Chief Minister elaborated that Maharaja Kullachandra refused to apologize before the British Queen and refrained from giving any assurance not to rebel against the British rule.

When the Maharaja was eventually released, he decided to move to Vrindavan saying that he could not return to his land when his people were under the British, Biren continued.

The merger of Manipur with India in 1949 was reported clearly in the New York Times.

The same report said that the geographical area of Manipur at that time was 18,000 square miles and it had a total population of around 5.12 lakh, Biren said.

The same report/record is also available at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Manipur is a State which has so many such visible historical records and evidence, he said.

The Chief Minister further stressed on the need for politicians and bureaucrats to be sincere and Nationalistic and highlighted that today under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, untiring attitude, India has grown so much.

"We had fought against the British as a united Manipur", the Chief Minister said highlighting the participation of different communities in the war.

"We lived together, we are living together and we will continue to live together", the Chief Minister stated.

Highlighting that there will be development when there is peace, the Chief Minister said a National Conference of YAS Ministers will be held in the State on April 24-25 and further urged the people not to call any bandh, blockade or strikes which may create a wrong impression to the people coming from outside.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, Ministers, MLAs, top officials of the Government and others also offered tarpan.

Other highlights of the observance included Khongjom Parva recitals, musical play "Maharaja Kullachandra Dhaja Singh and Anglo Manipuri War 1891," by Department of Art & Culture and National Anthem by MR Band Unit, among others.

The observance was also attended by Rajya Sabha Member Leisemba Sanajaoba, the Chief Secretary and the DGP, among others.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 24, APR 2023
  • Khongjom War was not India's War : CorCom
  • Nod of Centre needed : RIMS Director
  • Housewife found hung to death
  • ATSUM reiterates shutdown call
  • PREPAK (Pro) alleges
  • Blockade threat
  • AMUCO, TUC observe
  • ST tag for Meiteis receive another push
  • Akangba Nachom awarded best film of the year
  • Heroin seized
  • Workshop / production concludes
  • Khongjom Day observed at various places
  • Talk programme conducted
  • MAIYOND constituted
  • Khongjom Day: Bravehearts honoured at Kakching, Jiribam, Thoubal, Tripura
  • Meeting resolves to prohibit pollution of river systems in Longmai Area
  • Protestors demand punitive action against doctors
  • Meitei woman found dead at Hojai
  • ATSUM urged to roll back stand
  • Plastic bottles banks installed at Ukhrul
  • 1st Waree Leeba Festival 2023 concludes
  • Earth Day observed; 'Yes SHE' campaign kicks off
  • Medanta Hospital to offer concessions to PMJAY card holders
  • Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrated
  • Governor, CM lead in remembering Anglo-Manipuri war heroes
  • State has 1,658 water bodies: Census Report
  • Pherzawl FPCs harvest organic ginger
  • 'Chintan Shivir' of YAS ministers today
  • RIMS, bodies appeal; ATSUM sticks to stand
  • PREPAK-Pro belittles 'homecoming' events
  • CorCom: Khongjom war fought for Manipur's independence
  • Khongjom Day held across state, Bangladesh, Tripura
  • ADAM, MACDA observe World Earth Day
  • Married woman found dead hanging
  • MANIFA 2023: 'Akangba Nachom' wins Best Feature Film
  • Floral tribute paid to War martyrs
  • MSF urges Govt to save Keirak Buffalo Farm
  • Awareness prog held, plastic bottle banks installed
  • Renovate Paona's final rites site: Committee
  • ₹10 lakh in student's account: Shyamkumar
  • 'Medanta Hospital conducts robotic kidney transplant'
  • 'Saratkumar not related with MPP'
  • Two RPF/PLA members arrested
  • Invited Talk programme organised
  • IMA SEM celebrates 1st foundation day
  • Death anniv of Wangkhei Meiraba observed
  • Workshop on Manipuri culture concludes
  • Edible items distributed
  • Health conference on Apr 28, 29
  • AR trains Agniveer aspirants
  • CME prog organised at JNIMS
  • Man held with 160gm of drugs
  • Senior citizens hold annual meeting
  • Sit-in demands justice for Hoineilhing Mangte
  • Prayers offered to Ibudhou Thangjing, Keithel Lairembi
  • MLA Noorul vows uplift of Sanamahism
  • 3-day sports fest concludes
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025