Khongjom martyrs remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 23 2013: Remembering the martyred Manipuri soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the cause of safeguarding the sovereignty and independence of their motherland while fighting against the mighty British forces in the last and decisive Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, the people of the State paid befitting tributes to them on the occasion of Khongjom Day today.

The Khongjom day was observed at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex located atop Kheba Ching in Thoubal district as well in other parts of the state.

At Kheba Ching, Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the other Council of Ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats and people from different walks of life in paying tributes to the martyrs at their memorial complex as well as in offering floral tributes in their memory at Khongjom River.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles also gave Guard of Honour, General Gun Salute and played Last Post even as the gathering observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed souls.

CM Ibobi and his Council of Ministers offering floral tributes to the martyrs of Khongjom war. Governor Gurbachan Jagat laying wreath before the statue of Paona Brajabashi

Later the Governor and the Chief Minister led the people in offering floral tributes to the statue of Paona Brajabashi, the Chief Commander, who led the Manipuri force in fighting against the British Army in the battlefield of Khongjom.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat stated that the Battle of Khongjom was an illustrious chapter in the long freedom struggle of the entire country.

The day reminds us of the patriotism, sacrifice and unflinching courage of the people of Manipur who withstood against the mighty British to safeguard the freedom of Manipur in 1891 .

He also appealed to the present generation to rededicate themselves to the cause of the motherland, while paying homage and tribute to those who laid down their lives for the cause of their motherland, so that it can be in the forefront of the comity of nations.

"On this day, while paying obeisance to the valiant heroes who fell at the battle of Khongjom and other fronts in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, we need to renew our pledge to preserve and defend the sovereignty of our country and prepare to face any challenge to it", he exhorted.

The Governor went on to state that Manipur has for sometime been passing through a very difficult phase.

The number of killings has gone down but imposition of sudden bandhs and blockades has given a serious impact on the economy and lives of the common people.

B Jayantakumar Sharma and Prof Jodhachandra Sanasam during the Khongjom Day observance organised by Patriotic Writers' Forum at Manipur Press Club

"There is a tendency to take the law into one's own hands and we have seen demolition of and burning of houses of accused, which is a sign of anarchy and which must be stopped if we want to be in a civilized society where rule of law is the order", he maintained.

The Governor further noted that the State lags behind other States of the country in the area of development and the gap seems to be widening every year.

All of us need to work with a missionary zeal.

The State Government on its part needs to put in a strategy so that the services reach the target.

Chief Minister O Ibobi said that freedom was not a gift from the British Empire but our freedom fighters extracted it.

He said that we are all part of the great country India and we should stop playing divisive politics.

Questioning the motive of UG groups in causing casualty to common people along Imphal-Moreh road a few days back, the Chief Minister observed that such negative intention of the UG groups would never be supported by the people.

"There will be a time when the UG group comes to their senses and that is what the Government is waiting for at the moment", he added.

Khongjom Day was also observed by various organizations in different parts of the State today.

While State unit BJP and MPP organised functions to mark the day at their respective office premises, Patriotic Writers' Forum observed Khongjom Day at Manipur Press Club here.

Huyen Lallong Manipur Tang-Ta Cultural Association also observed Khongjom Day at its Irilbung complex and paid rich tributes to the martyred Manipuri soldiers.