Khongjom Day observed across state, Assam
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 23 2024: Commemorating the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, government of Manipur, civil society organisations and institutions observed Khongjom Day at the Kheba Ching memorial complex as well as at their respective offices by paying floral tributes to the Manipuri forefathers who laid down their lives for the motherland.

At the government-organised commemorative event held at Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Khongjom Kheba Ching under Thoubal district, people in large number belonging to different communities paid floral tributes and respect to the brave souls martyred in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, on the occasion of the 131st Khongjom Day.

The observance had Governor Anusuiya Uikey leading the masses in offering floral tributes at the war memorial and statue of Paona Brajabashi.

Chief minister N Biren and his council of ministers namely Th Bishorjit, Govindas Konthoujam, Y Khemchand and Th Basanta, MLAs M Rameshwar and Usham Deven, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda Devi, civil officers, police officers and officials of state and district administrations also attended the event during which personnel of Manipur Rifles paid general gun salute, played the last post, and reversed the arms.

As part of the event, Manipur State Kala Academy artistes performed Nat Sankirtana at the public hall located at the foothills of Kheba Ching.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the tribute event, CM Biren reminded that the Manipuri forefathers fought the battle of Khongjom for Manipur in-spite being well aware that their weapons were inferior to those of the British soldiers and imminent defeat.

He also opined that the ongoing conflict in the state can only be resolved through collective effort of the people.

Puthiba Welfare and Cultural Society and Paona Brajabashi Foundation, Tripura observed Khongjom Day at Abhoynagar, Agartala on Tuesday and offered floral tributes to the status of Paona Brajabashi installed at Abhoynagar.

The observance was attended by social worker M Abhiram as chief guest and Puthiba Society secretary Sinam Dipak as president while Paona Brajabashi Foundation convenor Longjam Somorendro (Arun), advocate Sukham Premjit, Marup joint editor Rk Tarunjit and NG College associate professor B Anilkumar were present as guests of honour.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mantripukhri Shakha also observed Khongjom Day at Thakuribari Mandir, and Seva Bharati at its Nagamapal office, here.

According to separate releases, Manipur State Council of Communist Party of India, and All India Students' Federation Manipur State Council observed Khongjom Day remembering the heroes who fought the mighty British in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association, Manipur and Thang-Ta Maheikol, Yumnam Huidrom jointly observed Khongjom Day at Thang-Ta Shanglen, Yumnam Huidrom on Tuesday with Thang-Ta Federation of India former secretary Thounaojam Priyokumar Singh as chief guest, Huyel Langlon Thang-Ta Association president Huidrom Premkumar Singh as president and Association's secretary Heikrujam Cha Babu and Luwang Thang-Ta Academy secretary Nongthombam Noren Meetei as guests of honour.

The programme was marked by paying of floral tributes by Association's artistes/players and officials to the martyrs of Khongjom War, it added.

Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) also observed 133rd Khongjom Day at its head office and paid floral tributes to the heroes.

A two minutes' silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for protection of the land in the recent conflict.

Informing this in a release, HERICOUN recalled Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 where the ancestors fought bravely against the mighty British.

Questioning whether the present generation of information age still has the patriotic spirit of the ancestors, it expressed that there is a big crisis between indigenous and outsiders.

Highlighting the need for having the spirit of ancestors, HERICOUN called for organising different activities in connection with Khongjom Day in educational institutes and localities.

Essay, painting, short play and drama should be organised in educational institutes to make the students and youth aware about the valour of Manipuri forefathers, the Council stressed.

Though Khongjom Day is state holiday, HERICOUN exhorted to organise competitions in educational institutions based on Anglo-Manipuri War from next year onwards.

In Kakching district, Sahitya Seva Samiti, Kakching observed Khongjom Day at the residence of Samiti's secretary Kshetrimayum Joykumar at Kakching Sumak Leikai Leirak Achouba Pareng.

The event was attended by retired principal Neorem Ibotombi Singh as chief guest, Samiti vice president Mayanglambam Kunjakesho, former president Yengkhom Kengba and donor of the Samiti Yambem Satya Singh as the presidium members.

During the event, the attendees paid floral tributes to Paona Brajabashi Kshetrimayum Joykumar highlighted the importance of the observance, while Macha Chanu, Kakching president and editor of the Samiti's publication 'Chumthang' Nongmaithem Pramodini Devi spoke on 'Manipur of 1891 and contemporary'.

Later, patriotic poem recitation was organised.

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