Imphal, April 23: Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of Khongjom War at Khebaching memorial today with Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

The Governor led the people in offering tribute at the memorial site in remembrance of the valiant struggle of the Manipur warriors under the command of Paona Brajabasi to protect the freedom of the then independent Manipur against the mighty British force in the 1891 battle.

Soon after arrival of the dignitaries floral tributes were offered at the memorial site located in Khongjom of Thoubal district followed by guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, rendition of last post and two minutes silence to honour the sacrifice of the Manipuri warriors.

Floral tributes and rituals were also performed at Khongjom River.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said essence of organising the Khongjom War memorial service is to uphold the significance of sacrifice made by the brave warriors to protect independence of the motherland from the invaders.

In his presidential address, the Chief Minister said the 1891 Khongjom War led by Paona Brajabasi is not a struggle to preserve independence of any particular community but the entire people of Manipur and India.

Flipping back the pages of history and introspecting the underlying meaning of the struggle by the present general has become even more important, observed O Ibobi.

�On this auspicious occasion, I appeal to the general public to stop killing, shrug off hatred and concentrate more towards development,� he said.

Referring to the Meetei Mayek issue, the Chief Minister declared that the Government has no intention of delaying implementation of the indigenous script but the demand should have consensus of all the communities for which detailed deliberation in a cordial atmosphere has become imminent.

The demand of the script activists to introduce Meetei Mayek from the current academic session is too hasty, he observed and added "We are looking seriously the pros and cons over the issue".

Besides the majority Meeteis, the Government will consult all sections of the society and avoid taking decision at this juncture, he added.

Recalling the joyous scene when Manipuri Language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Inian Constitution implementation of Meetei Mayek should evoke similar responses from every section of the society, Ibobi asserted.

In pursuance of the Meetei Mayek demand causing destruction of invaluable public property is not justifiable under any circumstances and should not be repeated in the future, maintained the CM.

He also announced that any dispute or misunderstanding could be resolved through negotiation for which the State or Central Government is willing to entertain any moment.

On measures to solve the insurgency problem, the Chief Minister appealing to the underground outfits to come to the negotiating table.

He, however, reminded that such talks should not be detrimental to the interest of the country.

Blood-shed will hamper development of the State and rather than rely on gun-power to attain the goal pursued by the insurgent groups persevering dialogue should be the only alternative, he observed.

Besides the SPF Ministers, MLAs, Parliamentarians, top civil and police officers members of the public also joined in offering tribute to the war martyrs.

MLA Dr M Nara delivered the welcome address at the occasion.

Reports of Khongjom Day observance were also conveyed with various organisations performing religious rituals, organising blood donation camps and staging of plays recalling the pre and post Khongjom war scenarios.

In connection with the observance Shija Hospitals and Research Institute organised 2nd Shija Blood Donation Camp at its Langol complex where 86 six units of blood was contributed by the patient parties, staffs and other volunteers.

Members of the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta cultural Association remembered the sacrifice made war heroes of the last Anglo-Manipuri war by offering floral tributes and performing rituals at its Irilbung office hall today morning.

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