Khongjom Day: State recalls sacrifices of martyrs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 23 2009: Paying rich floral tributes to all the Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives during the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, the 118th commemorative function of Khongjom Day was observed today all over the State and beyond.

The main observance function was held at Kheba Ching at Khongjom where Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led other Ministers, Government officials and public in offering floral tributes at the Khongjom War Memorial starting from 9 am today.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi lead the way in paying homage during Khongjom Day

After the floral tributes, a contingent of Ist Bn Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour and general salute which was followed by observance of two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

Along with paying homage at the memorial of Paona Brajabashi located at the foothill of Kheba, Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh also offered Tarpan at the nearby Khongjom in memory of the departed souls.

After this the main commemorative function began with Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh gracing the dais as chief guest and president respectively.

President of Bazar Board Amrik Singh Pahwa was a notable presence at the occasion, which he has been religiously following for the last 20 years.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said that Khongjom Day remind all of the courage and spirit of patriotism of the Manipuris.

Manipuris showed to the world that they had the courage and spirit to challenge the then mightiest world power, the British, for the sake of their motherland in the Anglo-Manipuri war, 1891 .

The price of their love of the motherland was so high that the heroes had to sacrifice their lives and their ideals are inscribed in our hearts, the Governor said, adding that the unconquerable and indomitable spirit of Manipuris and their classic example of patriotism will remain not only as a part of the glorious history of the country but also as a unique example of patriotism in world history.

Stating that freedom is a rare asset of mankind that should not be compromised at any cost and under any circumstances, the Governor also noted that freedom should not be misinterpreted in the narrow sense of separatist tendency and any threat or challenge to the hard-won freedom has to be faced unitedly and boldly.

In his address, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh observed that as a legacy of the forefathers, protecting the integrity and sovereignty of Manipur has been the responsibility of the present generation and it will continue to be so for the future generations to come.

He further said that killing among ourselves, whether it be among the UGs or between the UGs and the security forces would not bring about any solution or help in restoration of peace and harmony in the society.

Rather killing among ourselves would only bring about total annihilation of the Manipuri society, he added.

On the occasion, a drama on the theme of Khongjom War of 1891 was also staged.

Stringent security measures have been put in place to ensure that no untoward incident occurred during the course of the observance participated the observance participated by hundreds of people including children coming from different parts of the State.

Lok Janshakti Party, Manipur State Unit and Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung also observed Khongjom Day today.

AMSU, Imphal West District Committee and Manipuri Muslims Martyrs Memorial Committee also observed Khongjom Day at Little Master Higher Secondary School, Samurou and A Gani English School, Hatta Minuthong respectively.

On the other hand, in connection with Khongjom Day, 2009, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Thoubal and NSS Unit of Waikhom Mani Girls' College, Thoubal Okram organised a voluntary blood donation camp in collaboration with the Blood Bank of JN Hospital at the college today.

In all 55 volunteers including Lioness Dr Ch Renubala Devi (District Leprosy Officer of Thoubal) and HoD (Anthropology) of the College K Sadananda who were invited as chief guest and president of the inaugural function of the camp donated their blood.