Khongjom Day : Tributes paid to Wangkhei Meiraba, his companions
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching, April 23 2026: A commemorative programme to honour Wangkhei Meiraba (Poila) and his companion soldiers, who laid down their lives during the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891, was held on Thursday at their memorial site at Machin Manao Ching, Kakching.

The observance of the 135th death anniversary was jointly organised by the People's Museum, Kakching, and Langsai Thouna, Kakching.

The programme was attended by former Kakching AC MLA, Y Surchandra; SDPO Kakching, Kh Hemabati; Social Worker Ksh Kennedy; and Langsai Thouna convenor Ksh Rajiv, among others, where they paid floral tributes to the martyrs as a mark of respect.

Speaking on the occasion, Y Surchandra, called upon those in politics to rise above personal interests and follow the example of the forefathers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

He stressed the need for courage and commitment in working for the welfare of the State.

Surchandra noted that the battlefield of Machin Manao Ching was among the earliest engagements of the 1891 war, where Wangkhei Meiraba and 20 of his companions attained martyrdom while fighting valiantly for the motherland.

He further noted that a fierce battle followed on April 25 at Tenggol Lampak in Khongjom between Manipuri patriots and the British forces.

Subsequently, on April 27, the British captured Kangla, lowered the, independent Manipuri flag, and hoisted the Union Jack.

Surchandra emphasised that Manipur's War of Independence should be closely, associated with the events at Kangla, while other battles across the region formed part of the larger Anglo-Manipuri War.

He expressed the need to commemorate April 27 at Kangla as Manipur's War of Independence, while also stressing the importance of acknowledging historical facts accurately and to not misguide the people.

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