CM gives clarion call to discard sectarian outlook
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 11 2022: The state on Monday observed the 172nd death anniversary of Maharaj Nara Singh at Kangla, here.

The observance function was organised by Manipur State Archaeology, department of art and culture.

Chief Minister N Biren and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba led the ministers, MLAs and other officials in paying floral tributes to the portrait and at the graveyard of the late king, which was followed by offering Tarpan at Nungjeng Pukhri Achouba.

After the floral tribute, a contingent of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour, gun salute and sounded the last post as a mark of respect to late Maharaja Nara Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Biren informed that the state government started paying tributes and respect to the great forefathers, and organising functions at the state level to make people aware of their sacrifices towards protecting their motherland.

For the first time, a memorial stone inscribed with the names of 23 unsung heroes including two tribal heroes have been installed at BT Park alongside the Saheed Minar.

"Whatever we have today is all because of the hard works and sacrifices of our great leaders.

Our society would have no value if we do not honour them and follow their paths," he said.

The chief minister recalled the hardship faced by Manipuri forefathers during the Seven Years Devastation period (1819-1826) and how great leaders like Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Maharaja Nara Singh fought the Awas and regained control of Manipur from them.

Urging people not to entertain sectarian ideology and stop thinking only about their respective communities, he appealed to everyone to work together for overall development of the land which has been inherited from the forefathers.

He stressed the need for every citizen of the state to have knowledge of the history and go hand in hand with one another regardless of hill and valley areas in order to bring about a strong and united Manipur.

He also stated that one should not forget the spirit of nationalism possessed by the forefathers.

Biren further said that the state government will install the statues of seven 'Maichous' atop Nongmaiching hills soon.

A statue of Maharaja Nara Singh would also be installed at the Western Gate of Kangla within a month.

He also stressed the need to preserve Leng Ondabi Pat located in Cachar district of Assam, which was named after the commitment given by Maharaja Nara Singh for ousting marauding Awa invaders.

N Biren also called on the people to respect and acknowledge the sacrifices made by "our forefathers to protect our motherland".

"Our society would have no value if we do not honour our forefathers and follow paths shown by them," he said.

"As the commanding officer of the Gambhir Singh army during the War, soon after the 7 years devastation, Maharaja Nara Singh exhibited excellent military acumen and defeated the Burmese army by driving them beyond the Ningthi River and thus liberated Manipur," the CM narrated.

He added: "Maharaja Nara Singh is said to have conducted around five rounds of military expeditions in different parts of the region".

"The people of Manipur will always remember Maharaja Nara Singh's spirit of nationalism and the Government of Manipur will soon build a befitting memorial tomb in honour of his great contribution to the people of Manipur," said Biren.

Delivering his presidential speech, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba expressed happiness on seeing the state government honouring and paying tribute to the work and sacrifices of the great leaders.

Maharaja Nara Singh played an important part in regaining the land from Awa.

He was a king, who always stood for the protection of his motherland and gave priority to the welfare of people rather than the powers he possessed as a king, Leishemba Sanajaoba added.

Power minister Thongam Biswajit, education minister Yumnam Khemchand, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, cooperation minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP and other top civil and police officials also attended the observance.

Maharaja Nara Singh was the ruler of Manipur from 1844 till his death at Kangla Palace Imphal in 1850.He is attributed to have shifted the then capital of Manipur from Langthabal to Imphal.

Born in 1792, Maharaja Nara Singh was popularly known as 'Eningthou Nungsiba' and was an 'excellent' military commander who had defeated the more powerful and strong Burmese army in the first Manipuri-Burmese war.

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