Khongjom Day: CM honours patriots, Chief Minister Ibobi bats for friendly relations with Myanmar
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Gyanand Naorem

Imphal, April 23 2015 : Manipur observed the Khongjom day in a befitting manner at the Kheba hillock at Khongjom with the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi leading the congregation in offering floral tributes to the memory of the martyrs in the last battle of independence.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei was also present in the solemn function.

Speaking on the occasion Ibobi said that Manipur observed the function in memory of the intrepid heroes of the kingdom who waged the war against the marauding Britishers although they fully knew that they would be defeated.

The soldiers of Manipur under the command of Paona Brajabashi had fought the British army which was better trained and armed.

The last battle was fought and won by the invaders on April 23, 1891 .

CM Ibobi and Dy CM Gaikhangam paying tribute to the freedom fighters at the Khongjom memorial

Ibobi said that the brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for the integrity of Manipur.

He also swiped at the groups which are obstructing the developmental projects in the state.

There are 34 ongoing developmental projects in the state.

The one which is making speedy progress is the construction of the rail lines.

There are obstructions in the construction works and torching of vehicles of the construction company.

By 2020 Manipur will see the rail lines.

There is a plan to extend the same to Moreh, Yangon and reach up to Hongkong.

There are reports of encroaching some land at Moreh and these need to be sorted out through talks.

Manipur is all for friendly ties with the neighbour.

He also said that the boundary pillars along the international border will be erected.

The Assam Rifles personnel shall conduct regular foot patrolling along the border.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who presided over the function, said that the Khongjom day is being observed to remember the spirit of the freedom fighters.

The observation is to mark a promise to the departed souls that the same spirit and love for the nation will always be possessed by the coming generation, he said.

Gaikhangam said that the Anglo Manipuri War 1891 was not just a mere battle but was a symbol of integrity and unity among the hill and valley people.

He further said that the Chief Minister of the state is all set to construct the Khongjom war memorial, an attractive tourist destination.

Earlier, the people paid floral tributes to the statue of Paona Brajabashi, offered "tarpan" in the Khongjom river.

There were also gun salute, reverse arms and a two minutes silence.