'Unity must to defend external forces from destroying Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 09 2025: Manipur Cultural and Sports Society, Assam president Khoirom Nabadwip has emphasised the importance of unity among the people of Manipur to defend the state against external forces intent on destabilising it.

Khoirom Nabadwip was speaking at the "Reconsolidation Day" observance organised jointly by Manipur Cultural and Sports Society, Assam, Hojai and ULESCO Manipur under the aegis of the department of Art and Culture, government of Manipur, at Manipuri Sahitya Parishad office in Hojai, Assam, on Thursday.

He said that the Meeteis living in various parts of Assam have continued to preserve the culture, traditions and identity of Manipur to this day.

The occasion has been observed to promote the message of living and developing in unity.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that the unfortunate incidents in Manipur's history are not repeated and called for collective defense against any challenges, united as one.

ULESCO Manipur general secretary Ramananda Soibam said that the Seven Years Devastation, or Chahi Taret Khuntakpa, was a period of Burmese rule that ravaged the valley ofManipur from 1819 to 1826 .

He attributed the devastation to the disunity among the rulers and leaders at the time, as well as the power struggles for the throne.

He pointed out that even today, the people of the state are unable to unite.

As long as the present generation remains divided, true equality cannot be achieved.

As such, the generation should understand the true meaning of remembering Maharaja Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba, who succeeded in uniting the people of Manipur.

The function began with the offering of floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh.

Attendees also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives during the ongoing crisis.

During the event, the Iningthou Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba (Gambhir Singh) Khonga Award, given annually by ULESCO, was conferred upon Wahengbam Joyubabu.

The Manao Ibungo Chingthanglen Pamheiba (Nara Singh) Khonga Award was presented to Karam Rajkumar, while the Athouba Herachandra Khonga Award was awarded to renowned singer and AMMIK president Khaidem Thoiba.

The function was attended by FOCS president Ch Manihar, ULESCO president Soyam Chaoba and PALEM president K Jivanmala.

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