Imphal, April 22: Highlighting the significance of the battle of Khongjom fought between the invading British force and the Manipuri soldiers on April 23, 1891, the proscribed KYKL remarked that this date is the most consequential one in the history of modern Manipur.

A statement issued by the outfit's deputy secretary of Publicity and Research Apabi Mangang observed that the Khongjom War was highly significant as it demonstrated to the whole world the patriotism of Manipuri people.

The day marked the end of Manipur's sovereignty and beginning of colonial rule which is allegedly still persisting.

As such, the date has a very prominent place in the political history of the land.

As it must be, the historical event of Khongjom War has been deeply etched in the heart of Manipuri people that they are observing Khongjom War every year and paying fitting tributes to the martyrs.

But it is not enough to simply observe the day once in a year.

The future of the nation is very much dependent on understanding the significance of this day.

Until and unless, the full significance of the Khongjom War is understood, it will be hard for the Manipuri nation to find its rightful and dignified place in the comity of free nations, Apabi stated.

The battle of Khongjom vividly showed the crucial inter-relationship between sovereignty and existence of a nation.

Questioning the logic of the engaging the mighty British army instead of submitting tamely to the British Government which resulted in huge casualties, the outfit inferred that the Manipuri soldiers fought the war knowing well that they were bound to suffer defeat only to show that national sovereignty is more precious than their own lives.

They fought the war and sacrificed their lives to inspire the future generations and instill in them the courage and sacrificial spirit they had so that the future generations can win back the lost sovereignty.

Stating that the Khongjom Day is a solemn and sacred occasion, it called upon the people to pray to the Almighty so that they can shoulder the historical responsibility of restoring the lost sovereignty and establish a prosperous State.

Taking strong exception to the absurd practice of organising entertainment programmes like Thabal Chongba on such solemn occasion, the outfit asked all concerned including the girls and women belonging to the surrounding villages of Khongjom not to organise Thabal Chongba on April 23 .

The outfit has also declared a total ban on organising Thabal Chongba till Yaoshang festival next year excluding those organised as a part of Lai Haraoba festival.

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