History re-opened, patriotism recalled - Governor extols Manipur warriors' sacrifice
CM reiterates call for peaceful solution
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 23 2009: STATE GOVERNOR Gurbachan Jagat today said that the hard-won freedom can never be compromised at any cost while asserting that freedom is the most vital ingredient for the existence of humanity.

Speaking as the chief guest on the Khongjom Day observance function at the Khongjom War memorial Complex, located at Kheba Ching in Thoubal district, Governor Gurbachan Jagat urged the people of Manipur to renew their pledge to preserve the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the land adding that the people will remember the sacrifice made by the Manipuri warriors who fought the mighty British and the patriotism in them.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat offers floral tributes in the Khongjom river

The Khongjom Day was also observed widely in the state at different places to remember and pay tributes to Manipuri War heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the motherland against the mighty British and to commemorate the Khongjom War of 1891 .

Recalling the history of fratricidal wars and internal dissensions among the Indian provincial kingdoms which encouraged the British East India Company to keep the entire land under its rule, Gurbachan Jagat said that it is to every person's knowledge that hostility among the people weakens the strength of a nation.

The Governor also said that the war waged against the most powerful nation of the world, the British, by the Manipuri in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 (April 23) with a sense of patriotism has earned recognition of the bravery of the people to the world.

Asserting that Khongjom War and the bravery of the Manipuri warriors had secured a place in the pages of not only Manipur's history but also with that of the world, Gurbachan said that the worthy sacrifices made by the warriors will be etched in the hearts of the people.

Delivering his presidential speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi, who dwelt on the situation in the state, said that the rigorous killings between the security forces and militants of the hill and the valley will never bring a positive result.

Fratricidal killings among them have rendered many women widowed and orphaned many children.

He said many people have been killed by militants of the hill and the valley while adding that many have also been killed by the security forces.

He said the government will never allow such killing incidents to happen.

O Ibobi asserted that ensuring safety and securing the lives of the public has been the priority of the government.

He said that the killing of (Dr Thingnam) Kishan and two of his staffs by the NSCN-IM was very apprehensive and it was an act beyond human consciousness.

Saying that the killing of government officials by the militants deserved condemnation from all quarters, Ibobi disclosed that the state government was pressing the Centre to handover the NSCN-IM culprits to the state government.

Striking a tough pose, Ibobi said that no violator of law will be allowed to go scot-free while saying that the judiciary system in India is a different one.

Striking a chord that now is the time to bring a change in Manipur, Ibobi appealed to the militant groups to come forward for facilitating a peaceful solution to the problems.

He said that the people must jointly display unity to preserve the integrity of the land so as to live upto the wishes of the forefathers.

Paying guard of honour, general salute by a contingent from Manipur Rifles, paying floral tribute to the portraits on Khongjom River and observing two minutes silence to show respect to Manipuri warriors like Paona Brajabasi, General Thangal, et al have marked the Khongjom Day observance function today at Kheba Ching organised by the state government.

Another attraction of the observance programme was the presentation of Khongjom War drama by the DIPR department.

The function was also graced by various Ministers, MLAs, and government officials.

Meanwhile, the Manipuri Muslims' Martyrs Memorial Committee, Hatta, Lok Janshakti Party, Manipur state, Social Volunteers' Association, and the Huyen Lallong Thang-ta Cultural Association have also observed and commemorated the Khongjom Day at their respective convenient places.