Fitting tributes paid to martyrs on Khongjom Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 23: Khongjom Day was observed today in commemoration of the brave fight put up by the soldiers of Manipur to against the British imperialist in 1891 along with offering Tarpan and paying befitting tributes to Paona Brajabashi, the chief army commander of the Manipuri forces and numerous other soldiers who laid down their lives for the sake of safeguarding the sovereignty of their motherland.

Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in paying homage at the memorial of the martyrs located at Khongjom Kheba hillock in Thoubal district as well as in offering floral tributes to the statue of Paona Brajabashi installed at the foothill of Kheba.

A contingent of the Manipur Rifles gave the guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, slope arms, order arms and gun salute amidst trumpeting of the last post.

Governor Dr SS Sidhu leads in offering tributes to the martyrs on Khongjom Day

The observance function was organised by the Government of Manipur.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Governor Dr SS Sidhu recalled that Khongjom Day is being observed by the people of Manipur on April 23 every year in remembrance of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of safeguarding the independence of Manipur in 1891.The significance of the day would remain etched in the historical annals of not only India but also of the world reminding the valour and patriotism of the Manipuri people.

While maintaining that it would be more meaningful to renew the pledge of protecting the independence and the integrity of the Nation on the occasion of Khongjom day observance, Dr Sidhu pointed out that the funds sanctioned by the Central and the State Governments should be utilised for the right purposes.

The Government has been making relentless efforts relentlessly towards protecting the lives of the people and public properties and ensure peace and harmony in the State, he said and appealed to the people for co-operation in this regard.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who presided over the function, said that the sacrifices made by all those who have been martyred in the last war of independence of Manipur should not be forgotten.

It is high time to ponder over the living condition of the people today in the light of violent incidents taking place almost on daily basis.

Inspite of difference of opinions, we should try to sit together and sort out the problems in an amicable manner so that there can be peace and harmony in the State, the Chief Minister said.

He went on to say that denial of the share of essential commodities like rice and sugar under BPL scheme and Mid-Day Meal to the rightful beneficiaries through undue interference should be considered as amounting to violation of human rights.

The Chief Minister assured befitting action under the law of the land if all those who are responsible for such denial can be identified along with the proof of their involvement.

Moreover, intimidating the people and subjecting them to harassment over monetary demand in the name of fighting for the cause of the people and the motherland amounts to looting the people and the Government is prepared to fight against such anti-social elements at any cost, the Chief Minister said, adding that occurrence of certain unwanted events would be unavoidable during the course of crackdown on anti-social elements.

He also appealed to the armed revolutionary outfits operating in the State to co-operate with the Government and come to the negotiating table in finding a solution to the present problem.

The dramatic unit of DIPR also presented the drama 'Khongjom Lan' to mark the observance.

The Khongjom Day has also been reportedly observed today by various organisations in different parts of the State as well as outside where there is settlement of Manipuri people.

Manipuri Cultural Society, Assam, Hojai observed the Khongjom Day at Hojai with its president Laisom Gulapal as functional president.

Floral tributes and homage were paid to the martyrs at the occasion.

Manipur People's Party (MPP) observed the Day along with organising a function significantly at the Puja Hall of Babupara, formally known as Haobam Leikai and the birth place of Major General Paona Brajabashi. Party president Dr L Chandramani presided over the function attended by Deputy leader of the Legislature Wing of the party Dr Ng Bijoy, former party MLAs and other important leaders of the party.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Chandramani said that the Manipur society has been able to preserve its identity as an outcome of the sacrifices made by Paona Brajabashi and his soldiers in the last war of independence of Manipur.

He also exhorted the people to work together in the true spirit of oneness and dedication for the betterment of the State.

Lok Janshakti Party (Manipur State); Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak; Bharatiya Janata Party (Manipur Pradesh); Social Volunteers' Association; Meitei Community Development Society; Sana Leipak Manipur Hakchang Shajel Thang-Ta Sindam Sanglen, Nambol and Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, etc have also observe the day at different places.