Langban offerings made to departed souls
Source: Hueiyen News Service /Gyanand Naorem

Imphal / Kakching, October 01 2012: AS IN previous years, offerings were made to the departed souls of martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Manipur in the Anglo-Manipur war in 1891, on the occasion of Langban Chara-tamba/Tarpan Katpa at the Khongjom River running through Khongjom War Memorial Complex today.

The event was organised by Khongjom War Memorial Trust, Manipur.

The Trust has been organising the event for the past 19 years.

Works Minister Dr Kh Ratan, Education Minister M Okendro, MLA Maibam Kunjo, T Mangibabu, W Brajabidhu, Md Fajur Rahim and President of Khongjom War Memorial Trust, Ex Minister M Hemanta were among other prominent personalities who were present in making offerings to the departed souls.

Floral tributes being offered to the departed souls of Langban Chara-tamba/Tarpan Katpa at Khongjom river

Speaking on the occasion, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratan said that he felt delighted to participate in such an event for making offerings to the martyrs of the state who laid down their lives fighting against the British army to protect the independence of Manipur.

Today people are making offerings to the souls of the forefathers, who knowingly sacrificed their lives for the sake of Manipur.

This shows that the courage of the people of Manipur to fight against the challenges facing the state is still alive.

He also prayed to the souls of the martyrs to bless the present society to the path of peace and prosperity.

Ex Minister, M Hemanta said that the Trust has been organising the occasion for the past 19 years in the belief that the martyred souls would remain please and rest in peace in their heavenly abode.

Floral tributes being offered to the departed souls of Langban Chara-tamba/Tarpan Katpa at June 18 Uprising Memorial complex

Thousands of people from different parts of the state turned to participate in the event.

Floral tributes were also offered to the forefathers who sacrificed their lives for the protection of sovereignty of Manipur during a similar event (Langban Charatamba/Tarpan Katpa) organized by Living Arts (LA), Manipur at Lilong Chajing Pukhri Achouba Mapal under Imphal West district today.

Speaking on the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba, titular King of Manipur and Chief Guest of the observance, maintained that among the present generation it is hard to find people who respect and serve their elders.

If we don't respect them there is no need to mark such observances.

Yendrembam Pocha Singh, President of Chajing Lakpa Pureilomba Thougal Asin Lup, who presided over the function, highlighted the needs to preserve the culture and tradition of the state.

Filmmaker Ningthouja Lancha, who attended the event as Guest of Honor, said that the people of the state marked the day in order to respect their elders.

Remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during June 18 Uprising for the protection of territorial integrity of Manipur, United Committee Manipur (UCM) also paid floral tributes to the departed souls at Kekrupat today.

Apart from members of UCM, families of the martyrs were also present in offering floral tributes to the departed souls.