State pays tributes to Maharaj Nara Singh
CM recalls sacrifices of forefathers
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 11 2022: Manipur today observed the 172nd death anniversary of Maharaj Nara Singh at Kangla.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the Ministers, MLAs and other officials in paying floral tributes to the portrait of Maharaj Nara Singh at his memorial.

He also led other dignitaries in offering Tarpan at Nungjeng Pukhri Achouba.

The function was organised by Manipur State Archaeology, Department of Art and Culture.

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

Speaking on the occasion, N Biren stated that the State Government had started paying tributes and respect to 'our great forefathers', organising functions at State level, to make people aware of their sacrifices towards protecting their motherland.

State pays tributes to Maharaj Nara Singh

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

Our society would have no value if we don't honour them and follow their paths", Biren said.

The Chief Minister recalled the hardship faced by Manipuri forefathers during the Seven Years Devastation period (1819-1826) and the struggle of great leaders like Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Maharaj Nara Singh toward regaining their land from Awa.

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

He stressed the need for every citizen of the State to have knowledge of history and go hand in hand with one another regardless of topography, adding "We shouldn't forget the spirit of Nationalism possessed by our elders" .

Biren informed that the State Government had started surveying sites at Nongmaiching Hills to instal statues of the seven Maichous and added that a statue of Maharaj Nara Singh would also be installed at the western gate of Kangla within 100 days.

He stressed on the need to preserve the Leng Ondabi Pat located in Cachar district of Assam, which was named after the commitment of Maharaj Nara Singh.

Delivering his presidential speech, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba stated that he felt pleased on behalf of the State Government in honouring and paying tributes to the works and sacrifices of the great leaders.

He continued that Maharaj Nara Singh played an important part in winning back the land from Awa during the Seven Years Devastation period.

Maharaj Nara Singh was a king who always worked for the protection of the motherland and he always 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, Co-operation Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and other top civil and police officials also attended the function.