State recalls heroics of Maharaj Gambhir
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 09 2023: The society and the state as it is today is all because of the forefathers, said chief minister N Biren on Monday while recalling the heroic efforts made by Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narsingh and Sana Herachandra to drive away the Burmese invaders and end the Seven Years' Devastation.

The CM was speaking as chief guest of the 189th death anniversary observance of Maharaj Gambhir Singh organised by Manipur State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture at the memorial complex of Gambhir Singh located at Langthabal.

Stressing on the importance of honouring Manipuri forefathers who endeavoured to protect the history and its people, CM Biren said that people cannot disassociate themselves from history.

The statues, memorial parks, museums, etc., connected with historical figures tell stories of the forefathers of Manipur as they all remind the present generations of their forefathers and their deeds, strengthening the feeling of nationalism, he maintained.

Previously, the history of colonial rule dominating India and using its people as mere slaves were taught in the text books, but as nationalists now hold power and govern the country, the history on how India was formed, how it was colonised and became independent are being taught, pointed out the CM.

Stating that Union home minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated some important projects in the state including Kangla Nongpok Thong, Polo Statue at Marjing, Olympian Park, flag hoisting at INA Headquarters at Moirang, etc., the CM recalled that he and the union minister spoke on the significance and importance of opening of the Kangla Nongpok Thong and expressed his belief that it will usher in peace, prosperity and unity in the state.

The statement made by Amit Shah during his recent visit recalling how Maharaj Kulachandra stood firm against British viceroy against apologising to Queen Eliza beth and decided to wage war until Manipur became independent may not be known by more than 10,000 people of the state, he opined, while questioning why historians and elders did not teach the people about it.

There are many professors in the state who easily accepted that the size of Manipur is only 700 sq km.

How can such professors who do not know their place, boundary and the number of communities give advice to the students and future generations, he posed.

Biren further said that more than 1,500 fake encounter cases are still in pending and there may be still more cases that are not included in it.

However, with the present government, solutions were brought by holding talks with secessionist armed groups of different states, he continued, while asking why the previous government did not take up such initiatives and why many potential individuals of Manipur were killed in fake encounter.

No one questioned when members of armed groups were killed, but why civilians were killed in fake encounters, he continued.

"We should always remember that evil deed of the people of the valley will impact the hills and vice-versa," N Biren cautioned highlighting the unbreakable bond be tween the hills and the valley people.

Manipuri forefathers who fought for Manipur's sovereignty and independence should be given similar respect like Indian freedom fighters who fought for independence and took vital roles in forming India, he pointed out, while appealing to historians and researchers to produce books based on true history of Manipur so that people of the state as well as outsiders can know easily about it.

There will be no shortage of fund if found reasonable and the government will even spend crores of rupees as it is not about the money but the value of the history which is essential, he added.

N Biren also expressed the need to have a clear concept and understanding of the land's history, beliefs and data to educate people from outside.

Speaking on the issue of illegal drugs in the state, the chief minister said that it is not the time to remain silent, but to be very vigilant against illegal drug business.

Stressing on the government's action on the issue, he strongly stressed the need to leave behind a strong and healthy society for the future generations and further appealed to the people to stop poppy cultivation and illegal drug business in the state.

N Biren Singh said that the forefathers had guarded the land, so it is the collective responsibility of the present generation to continue the legacy.

In a brief speech, Keirao MLA L Rameshwor Meetei highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and emphasised that everybody should support the war on drugs cam paign to uproot the drug menace from the state.

As part of the function, the chief minister led in offering floral tributes to the portraits of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra.

Other highlights of the function include guard of honour, gun salute, sounding of the Last Post by a contingent of Manipur Rifles, Dhop Pala per formance, tarpon offerings, inauguration of a cafeteria by the Chief Minister, etc.

The function was also attended by MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, DGP P Doungel, officials and locals.

It may be mentioned here that in 1819, a large Burmese army under General Maha Bandula invaded Manipur and Maharaj Gambhir and Nara Singh with the help of the British fought back the Burmese force and won the battle in 1825 .

Thus, Maharaj Gambhir is still considered as the liberator and hero during the days of crisis in the history of Manipur.

Bagyidaw (1819 1837), the defeated Burmese emperor reluctantly called him "The Ruler" of Manipur.

In 1834, Kabaw Valley was handed over to the Burmese and upon hearing the bad news of the impending transfer of Kabaw Valley, Maharaj Gambhir Singh died of heart attack on January 9, 1834 .

Comment