Geographical area of Manipur at the time of merger was 18,000 square miles : CM
State pays homage to Khongjom War heroes
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 23 2023: Manipur today observed the Khongjom Day and paid befitting tributes to the heroes of Khongjom War (Anglo-Manipur War) .

The main event was held at Kheba Ching at Khongjom in Thoubal district.

The observation began with laying of wreaths led by Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren Singh at the Khongjom War Memorial.

Following a guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, sounding of last post, two-minutes silence, slope arms and order arms, floral wreaths were also laid at the statue of Paona Brajabashi with guard of honour and gun salute.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said today is the day of remembering the heroes of Manipur and paying homage to those patriots who laid down their lives fighting against the British in 1891 is a fitting moment.

"While observing this day, we need to remember that foreign powers become active only when there are internal conflicts", the Governor said.

Geographical area of Manipur at the time of merger was 18,000 square miles : CM

She asserted that the Khongjom War is the most important event in the history of Manipur.

There are many unknown heroes who fought against foreign forces like the British in villages, mountains, places like Manipur and awakened the spirit of freedom in the people, she said adding "We need to remember them also" .

They are being remembered during the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, she highlighted.

She said the sacrifices of Manipur's heroes like Major Paona Brajabashi, Major Chongtham Mia, Chinglen Sana, Major Khumbong, Major Loitongba and many more are important and there is a need to remember them.

"Today, we are citizens of a free India and our independence is not a gift of the British, but a result of long struggle and sacrifices", she said.

It is the responsibility of the youth to maintain and protect the dignity, freedom and sovereignty of the country, she said, highlighting that independence should not be interpreted in the narrow sense of separatism and regionalism.

Any threat or challenge, whether external or internal, must be faced unitedly and courageously, she added.

She further appealed to the youth of the State to reject violence and join the mainstream to work for development and progress of the country.

"I request you that in the year of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, we also remember all such unsung heroes who fought for freedom.

Statues of such great sons should be installed in their villages and the younger generation should be told about them", Anusuiya Uikey said.

"On this occasion of Khongjom Day, let us pay homage not only to the patriots who laid down their lives for the freedom of their motherland, but also to the innumerable freedom fighters of India who made selfless sacrifices for India", she said.

"We should also remember our pledge to maintain and protect the independence and sovereignty of our country and its dignity", she added.

Delivering his presidential speech, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, "Today we are remembering those who had sacrificed their lives 132 years ago in 1891 for their motherland.

"We all know why and how the Khongjom War was fought.

Despite knowing the disadvantages of being ill-equipped and outnumbered, our brave forefathers fought the British", Biren said.

"Today, what is important is the question whether today's generation is able to safeguard, preserve the freedom and independence given to us by our brave forefathers", the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister recounted a brief account of the war and recalled how Pukhrambam Kajao killed Mr Grimwood, the then Political Agent of Manipur with his spear.

He recounted the public uproar in Manipur against the British's decision to send Maharaja Kullachandra and others to a jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the eventual release of the Maharaja owing to the public uproar.

The Chief Minister elaborated that Maharaja Kullachandra refused to apologize before the British Queen and refrained from giving any assurance not to rebel against the British rule.

When the Maharaja was eventually released, he decided to move to Vrindavan saying that he could not return to his land when his people were under the British, Biren continued.

The merger of Manipur with India in 1949 was reported clearly in the New York Times.

The same report said that the geographical area of Manipur at that time was 18,000 square miles and it had a total population of around 5.12 lakh, Biren said.

The same report/record is also available at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Manipur is a State which has so many such visible historical records and evidence, he said.

The Chief Minister further stressed on the need for politicians and bureaucrats to be sincere and Nationalistic and highlighted that today under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, untiring attitude, India has grown so much.

"We had fought against the British as a united Manipur", the Chief Minister said highlighting the participation of different communities in the war.

"We lived together, we are living together and we will continue to live together", the Chief Minister stated.

Highlighting that there will be development when there is peace, the Chief Minister said a National Conference of YAS Ministers will be held in the State on April 24-25 and further urged the people not to call any bandh, blockade or strikes which may create a wrong impression to the people coming from outside.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh, Ministers, MLAs, top officials of the Government and others also offered tarpan.

Other highlights of the observance included Khongjom Parva recitals, musical play "Maharaja Kullachandra Dhaja Singh and Anglo Manipuri War 1891," by Department of Art & Culture and National Anthem by MR Band Unit, among others.

The observance was also attended by Rajya Sabha Member Leisemba Sanajaoba, the Chief Secretary and the DGP, among others.