Unity stressed at Gambhir Singh tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 09 2024: Civil society organisations on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Maharaja Gambhir Singh, also known by his indigenous name Meidingu Chinglen Nongdrenk-homba, on his 190th death anniversary held across the state and beyond as Reconsolidation Day.

In commemoration of the death anniversary held at Sagolmang community hall, Indigenous People's Organisation, Manipur (IPOM) has exhorted all for building unity among the indigenous communities to uphold the integrity and identity of Manipur.

Addressing the gathering, IPOM president Y Devadutta called upon the people to learn from history and build unity in order to defeat the enemy and uphold the integrity and identity of Manipur.

Manipur University law department head Dr Y Premananda, Pukhao GP up pradhan Sorokhabam Biswarani, Sagolmang Development Committee president Soyam Ibobi, Women's Prohibition Committee, Sagolmang president Loukham Thoibi Leima, Pukhao GP ward members Moirangthem Geetamala and Tek-cham Premjit also attended the observance.

Athoubasingee Liklam Thiba Lup, Manipur (ALTLM) also observed the 190th death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh by offering floral tributes to statue of the Manipuri king at Kamaranga Awapalli, Cachar and Canchipur.

Attending another commemorative event, social activist RK Meghen has pointed out the need for a new generation with good moral and ethical values to ensure that the present turmoil, crisis and threat to the society does not recur.

Speaking to newspersons after offering floral tributes to Maharaja Gambhir Singh at his Canchipur memorial complex, Meghen reminded all concerned that Maharaja Gambhir Singh with the help of the British chased away the Burmese (Awa) invaders after the Seven Years Devastation, from Manipur.

He said that soon after the victory of Manipur over the Burmese, the British signed an agreement with the Burmese without the knowledge of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and secretly gave away the Kabow valley to the Burmese.

This incident caused a serious blow to Maharaja Gambhir and he died of a heart attack.

He also mentioned that the erstwhile Manipur Kingdom fought against the British colonial rule from 1826 to 1891 during the Anglo-Manipuri War.

After suffering defeat Manipur became a British colony from 1891 till 1947 before it regained independence.

Stating that Manipur is currently facing a serious situation and threats from various circles, he stressed the need to build a new generation with good moral and ethical values to ensure that turmoil, crisis and threat to the society do not recur.

All the communities settling in the state should stand united and make Manipur a self-reliant state and also build a generation of youth who can stand unitedly for the motherland, Meghen said.

Meanwhile, We The Meitei, Hojai along with ULESCO also observed Re-Consolidation Day at Hojai.

The observance was attended by Dimapur Meitei Council president Maibam Sanjit, We The Meitei, Hojai vice president Lourembam Natum, Federation of Civil Society Organisation (FOCS) president Thoidingjam Manihar, Jiri Development Organisation president Elangbam Deban, ULESCO Manipur vice president Oinam Inaobi, All Assam Manipuri Students' Union president Ngashempam Sanahal, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, and Hojai District Committee president Tensubam Manihar among others.

During the observance, Iningthou Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba (Gambhir Singh) Ningshing Mana presented annually by ULESCO was handed over to Takhellambam Biramni of Gitamandir Hojai; Manao Ibungo Chingthanglen Pamheiba (Narsingh) Ningshing Mana to Yanglem Poklen of Gochara, Hojai and Sana Herachandra Ningshing Mana to Khoirom Nabadwip of Amtla Hojai.

Floral tributes were paid to the photo of Iningthou Nongdrenkhomba as a part of the observance.

Meanwhile, Ningol Club Heirok observed National Re-Consolidation Day at Heirok Part-11 Mayai Leikai community hall and also launched a six-month Thang-Ta training course exclusively for female.

The observance was attended by FOCS vice president BM Yaima, Ningol Club president Khundongbam Sophiya, Manipur Women's Federation (MWF) president Khundongbam Shini Leima, Heirok Apunba Club convenor Thounaojam Roshan Luwang, PEACE Foundation Committee secretary general Maibam Tomthin, Apunba Meira Paibi Heirok convenor Thokchom Sandhyarani and DLC Club Heirok Mayai Leikai president Ningthoujam Rosha among others.

Comment