Governor Gives Candid Take On Situation, Does Not Miss Out On Underlying Tension
Khongjom Day observed in State, Assam
Source: The Sangai Express /Newmai News Network

Imphal, April 23 2013: Offering of floral tributes, tarpan and public meetings marked the Khongjom War anniversary functions held in the State and beyond today.

The main Khongjom Day observance function was held at the historic Kheba Ching, Khongjom in Thoubal district.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat Singh and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in paying tributes to martyrs of the Khongjom war, fought against the colonial British power on April 23, 1891 .

Various NGOs also observed the day in different parts of the state.

Manipur state BJP organised a function to mark the day at its office premises in Nityaipat Chuthek with the observance also organised by State natives in Assam's Nagaon district.

Addressing the state function at Khongjom, Governor Gurbachan said, "the day makes us remember the patriotism, sacrifice and the unflinching courage of the people of Manipur who withstood the mightiest power of that era to safeguard Manipur's freedom in 1891 .

"Paona Brajabashi and others who had made the supreme sacrifice have their names inscribed in history," he said.

Governor leads in paying respect

The Governor said, "We are now all citizens of free India and it is time we forget our differences and work for a better country where every citizen can live with honour and dignity" .

Gurbachan insisted that the wheels of development can move faster only when there is an atmosphere of peace and added that there is a symbolic relationship between peace and development and this needs to be remembered.

"We need to maintain peace at any cost." The Governor further said that though outwardly there is certain improvement in the situation in the state, the underlying tension continues to simmer and peace is yet to prevail.

The number of killings has gone down in the state but sudden bandhs, blockades, etc impact the economy and the lives of the common man, regretted the Governor.

Chief Minister Ibobi while speaking at the function maintained that violence cannot bring any solution.

Asking what the objective of killing innocent is, the CM affirmed that such violent acts can never be justifiable.

Asserting that the pace of development will not be possible without peace, he said everything must be resolved through dialogue and that the Government is always ready to hold talks.

The other highlights of the observation at Khongjom included paying of floral tributes at the war memorial, general salute to the martyrs by a contingent of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles, offering "tarpan" in the Khongjom river and presentation of khongjom "parva" .

At Hojai in Assam's Nagaon district, the 122nd Khongjom Day observance was organised by Khongjom Lan Celebration Committee with Works Minister, Govt of Manipur, Dr Kh Ratankumar gracing the event as the chief guest and the event host's president N Bidya presiding over the function.

CMO (retd) Hojai Dr Maisnam Shanou also attended the function as special guest while Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Hojai president Usham Kunjabihari, United Committee Manipur president Y Nabachandra and the Committee's secretary (Organisation) Y Dhiren were the guests of honour.

The observance commenced with the chief guest leading the people in garlanding the statue of Paona Brajabashi at Hojai Gita Mandir premises followed by a public meeting at the auditorium of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Bhavan, Hojai.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Ratankumar highlighted that Manipuri natives settled in various parts of the country and abroad should strive to have close coordination and work with cohesion.

Opining that bringing unity and strengthening people of Manipur-origin would be possible only when the people understand and acknowledge history of Mani- pur, he described observance of Khongjom Day anniversaries as one of the significant events to constantly remind Manipuri natives of their origin and history.

Noting that Hojai is a prime location for people travelling from Manipur to stay overnight, the Minister said he would personally urge the State Chief Minister to do the needful for setting up a Manipur guest house in the Assam town.

He also assured the gathering that proposal of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Hojai for completing building construction of Parishad Bhavan would be conveyed to the CM along with consulting with the CM for completing the Bhavan at the earliest.

Speaking at the occasion, UCM president Nabachandra regretted that inspite of globalization and rapid technological advancement achieved in various parts of the world people of Manipur are yet to enjoy the global phenomenon.

In case the present generation have any lapse in following the global trend the future generation would be paying a heavy price and deprived of developmental opportunities, cautioned the UCM president.

Nabachandra also lamented that inspite of the global fraternity making rapid strides toward development, people of Manipur are compelled to struggle for basic human rights consequent to continuous imposition of repressive legislation.

Offering of floral tributes at the portraits of Khongjom War martyrs and staging of a play entitled 'Khongjom Landa Paona Brajabashi' were the highlight of the Khongjom Day observance programme organised by Sangeet Kala Sangam at its Khurai Lamlong Bazar auditorium today.

After leading the gathering in paying homage to martyrs, who lost their lives at the history defining battle against the british soldiers, Wangkhei AC MLA Yumkham erabot said from being an ordinary soldier Paona Brajabashi went on to gain status of a martyr mainly due his combative nature, patriotism and excellent fighting skill.

The then mighty British soldiers met with fierce resistance from the poorly equipped fighters of the erstwhile independent Manipur, recounted the MLA who expressed that the battle of Khongjom eventually became the last significant combat for the british empire.

As a guest of honour of the observance, Art and Culture Deputy Director W Mera Singh called upon the upcoming generation to try and emulate steely resolve of the Manipuri forefathers to safeguard Manipur.

Manipur State Kala Akademi Secretary S Vedeswar Sharma in his address opined that the Battle of Khongjom on this day in 1881 demonstrated determination of the Manipuri forefathers to live as sovereign people rather than cow down or be intimidated by the mighty British regime.

He also exuded confidence that staging or producing of plays based on the bravery of the Manipuri forefathers would be able to relive memories and contribution of the martyrs in their attempt to protect the people from adversary forces.