Governor, CM lead in remembering Anglo-Manipuri war heroes
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 23 2023: Manipur on Sunday observed the Khongjom Day with state honours, paying befitting tributes to the heroes of the Khongjom War.

The main event was held at Kheba Ching, Khongjom in Thoubal district.

The tribute event began with laying of wreaths led by Governor Anusuiya Uikey and chief minister N Biren at the Khongjom War Memorial.

Following a guard of honour, general salute with reverse arms, sounding of the last post, observance of two-minute silence and slope arms and order arms were given to the martyrs.

Floral wreaths were also laid at the Paona Brajabashi statue with guard of honour and gun salute.

As chief guest of the function, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said, "Today is the day of remembering the heroes of Manipur and paying homage to those patriots who laid down their lives fighting against the British in 1891.While observing this day, we need to remember that foreign powers become active only when there are internal conflicts".

She explained that the Khongjom War is the most important event in the history of Manipur.

There are many unknown heroes who had fought against foreign forces like the British in villages, mountains, places like Manipur and awakened the spirit of free dom in the people, she said adding, "We need to remember them also.

And for this they are being remembered during the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav".

The Governor continued that the sacrifices of Manipur's heroes like Major Paona Brajabashi, Major Chongtham Mia, Chinglen Sana and many more are important and there is a need to remember them.

"Today, we are citizens of a free India and our independence is not a gift of the British, but a result of long struggle and sacrifices made.

We should always remember this," she said, stressing that "It is the responsibility of the youth to maintain and protect the dignity, freedom and sovereignty of the country.

Independence should not be interpreted in the narrow sense of separatism and regionalism.

Any threat or challenge, whether external or internal, must be faced unitedly and courageously".

The Governor then appealed to the youth of the state to reject violence and join the mainstream to work for development and progress of the country.

"I request you that in the year of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, we also remember all the unsung heroes who have fought for freedom.

Statues of such great sons should be installed in their villages, the younger generation should be told about them," she said.

"On this occasion of Khongjom Day, let us pay homage not only to the patriots who laid down their lives for the freedom of their motherland, but also to the innumerable freedom fighters of India who made selfless sacrifices for India.

Along with this, we should also remember our pledge to maintain and protect the independence and sovereignty of our country and its dignity," the Governor added.

Delivering his presidential speech, chief minister N Biren said that today we remember those who had sacrificed their lives, 132 years ago in 1891 for their motherland.

We all know why and how Khongjom War was fought.

Despite knowing their disadvantages of being ill-equipped and outnumbered, our brave forefathers fought the British, he said.

What is important is whether today's generation is able to safeguard, preserve the freedom, independence given to us by our brave forefathers, the chief minister said.

He then gave a brief account of the war and how Pukhrambam Kajao killed Grimwood, the then political agent of Manipur with his spear, recounting the public uproar in Manipur against the British's decision to send Maharaj Kullachandra and others to a jail in Andaman Nicobar and the eventual release of the Maharaj owing to outcries of the people.

The chief minister elaborated that Maharaj Kullachandra refused to apologise before the British Queen and to assure not to rebel against the British rule.

When the Maharaj was eventually released, he decided to move to Brindavan citing that he could not return to his land when his people were under the British, Biren recounted.

He then stressed the need for politicians and bureaucrats to be sincere and nationalistic and highlighted that today under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and untiring attitude, India has grown so much.

"We had fought against the British as a united Manipur," the chief minister said, highlighting the participation of different communities in the war, adding, "We lived together, we are living together and we will continue to live together".

While saying that there will be development when there is peace, CM Biren informed that a national conference of YAS ministers will be held in the state on April 24 and 25 and urged the people against calling any bandh, blockade or strikes which will create apprehension amongst people coming from outside.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey, chief minister Biren Singh, ministers, MLAs, top officials of the government and others also offered 'tarpan' on the solemn occasion.

Other highlights of the observance included Khongjom Parva recitals, musical play "Maharaja Kullachandra Dhaja Singh and Anglo-Manipuri War 1891" by Department of Art & Culture, national anthem by MR Band Unit among others.

The event was also attended by MP Rajya Sabha, ministers, chief secretary, DGP and officials among others.

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