Floral tributes paid to martyrs at memorial site
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 13 2025: People from different indigenous communities and family members paid rich floral tributes to the martyrs of April 13, 1982 shootouts at Kodompokpi Mamang Leikai, Imphal West, and Tekcham in Thoubal district, at the martyrs' memorial located atop Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband on Sunday.

Authorities allowed the memorial observance from early morning till 5 pm.

Large number of police and central security forces personnel were deployed in the area to prevent unwanted incidents.

Names of every visitors were recorded at the registry set up at the foothills.

Indian Red Cross Society, and Medilane volunteers also assisted the event by stationing ambulance at the hilltop, and distributing refreshments and water.

Floral tributes paid to martyrs at memorial site

The observance began from 6 am with the traditional Pena Yakairol, and honour salute with Thang-Ta Leiteng and Ta Khousaba performance, followed by floral tributes.

Religious rituals of different indigenous communities including those of Kabui community were performed to offer prayer for the souls of the martyrs to rest in peace.

Students and players from different institutes also participated in paying tributes.

Interacting with the media, one Khundrakpam Medha, younger sister of Khundrakpam Rajendro alias Chaobahal, one of the martyrs who died in the Kodompokpi incident, expressed delight on witnessing the turnout of large number of people to pay their respect to the martyrs.

Poirei Leimarol Apunba Manipur president S Memcha said that the Meira Paibi Lup will continue to fight any threat posed to unity, integrity and identity of Manipur, which the martyrs stood for.

Family members also paid floral tributes at the memorial sites located at Kodompokpi and Tek-cham where the shootouts took place 43 years ago.

Candle light memorial services were also held at the memorial sites located at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel and Kakwa Beni Leirak in the evening.

Mention may be made that nine members of the proscribed PLA died in the April 13, 1982 shootout at Kodompokpi.

They were Thoudam Kunjabihari of Thongju Nameirakpam Leikai, Th Rajendra of Kwakeithel, M Premkumar of Tera Sapam Leirak, N Rajen of Kakwa Naorem Leikai, Th Loken of Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai, L Dilip of Keishampat, M Pakka of Heirok, S Kameshwar of Heibongpokpi, and RK Khoirumba of Moreh.