Imphal: The Governor of Manipur, Najma Heptulla, conveyed her heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Khongjom Day on the 23rd of April. 2021.
In her message, the Governor said that “this Day celebrates the indomitable courage and spirit of patriotism the Manipuris displayed in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891. A handful of Manipuri soldiers fought against the mighty British Empire and laid down their lives for the love of their motherland. Khongjom Day also reminds us of the historical fact that the British rule was brought upon us by the disunity and enmity among the Manipuri Princes who yearned for the throne. It is a lesson to us all that foreign powers tend to intervene in the sovereignty of a country whenever its people are disunited and disorganized”.
On the auspicious occasion of Khongjom Day, she appealed to one and all irrespective of caste, creed or religion to reaffirm our pledge to preserve and protect the sovereignty and integrity of our country.
On the solemn occasion of Khongjom Day, Chief Minister N Biren Singh made a call to “pay homage to our fallen heroes”.
In his message, the Chief Minister recalled that on this day in 1891, valiant Manipuri soldiers led by Paona Brajabashi fought a fierce battle with British forces at the southern fringe of Manipur valley Khongjom. Paona Brajabashi and hundreds of his brave soldiers died in the battle fighting the enemy who were far greater in number and superior in weaponry. Yet they faced the mighty British forces even after knowing that they would be defeated in order to save the sovereignty of their motherland. They died heroic deaths leaving a huge inspiration for the future generation.
As such, Khongjom Day not only reminds us of their fearless and courageous deeds but also rekindles a strong sense of patriotism inspiring us to rededicate ourselves for a new Manipur, he added.
Works Minister Bishwajit, also extended his warm wishes and best greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of Khongtom Day, 2021.
In his message, he said that the day Is observed to pay homage to the brave heroes of the land who laid down their lives for the sake of their motherland. The Minister called on all to remember “the heroic sacrifices made by our brave forefathers who stood against the mighty British in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. Let us all follow in their footsteps and renew our pledge to defend the sovereignty and integrity of our country”.
The minister also urged all to stay strong and fight back the Covid-19 the second wave and emerge victorious by adhering to the SOP issued by the experts and government.
Agriculture Minister, Lukhoi greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of Khongjom Day, 2021and paid his utmost respect and tributes to all the brave hearts who fought in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur war. The Khongjom Day is observed every year to pay tribute to the war heroes of Anglo•Manipuri War 1891 who had sacrificed their lives fighting against the British to protect the freedom of Manipur. The war has its significance in the Indian history for the bravery of the soldiers that fought against three sides of British attack, that is, from Sitchar, Kohima and Myanmar, his message read.
O Lukhoi called on all to “reaffirm our stand in safeguarding the integrity and unity of our state and country. 1 convey my best wishes and warm regards on this occasion”.
