Imphal: The State will pay rich tributes to the brave sons of Manipur Saturday on the occasion of Khongjom Day which is held every year on 23rd April at Khongjom War Memorial Complex, Khebaching, Thoubal district.
The day is observed in remembrance to honour the gallant Manipuri warriors including Major Paona Brajabashi who made supreme sacrifice fighting against the British to protect the freedom of Manipur in the battle of Khongjom during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war.
The Governor of Manipur La. Ganeshan and the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh will attend the observance function as the chief guest and the president respectively. They will lead the public in laying floral wreaths at Khongjom War Memorial.
This will be followed by a guard of honour, general salute, reverse arms, sounding of last post, two minutes silence, slope arms and order arms by a contingent of Manipur Rifles. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Paona Brajabasi followed by a gun salute at the statue. This will be followed by offering of Tarpon at Khongjom river and paying homage to the Sankirtan. Khongjom Lal (Khongjom War) will also be staged by Art & Culture Department on the occasion.
The District Administration Thoubal is taking up all necessary measures for a successful observation. The District Administration, concerned departments’, officials and staff of various departments of SP Thoubal; SDO Thoubal; EE (PWD); EE (WR); EE (PHED); AE (MI); Forest department; Thoubal and Wangjing Lamding Municipal Council; Thoubal Fire service, NYK volunteers’ among others have been preparing in coordination for smooth conduct of the function. This year the District Administration is expecting a large number of public attendance as the observation was restricted for the last two years due to COVID-19 Pandemic.
The State Government has arranged for free bus service to transport government employees, public and devotees from Imphal to Khebaching and back in connection with the observance. One bus each will be stationed at Manipur Public School, Koirengei; Lamboikhongnangkhong Ground and DC Office Porompat which will depart at 6.30 am. 4 buses will be stationed at MST Complex, Moirangkhom which is scheduled to depart at 6 am, 6.30 am, 7 am and 7.30 am respectively.
Greeting the people of Manipur on the occasion of Khongjom Day, Governor Ganesan said that Day is celebrated every year in remembering the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers who died for the freedom of their motherland.
Displaying tremendous courage and immense patriotism for their motherland they fought against the mightiest power of the world without even a thought of surrender, he observed.
While paying homage to the valiant heroes who fell at the battle of Khongjom and other fronts in the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, we must renew our vow to preserve and defend the sovereignty of our country and prepare to face any challenge that might come our way. Let us forget any differences and rededication ourselves to the task of national building. Let us strive for bringing understanding, peace and harmony amongst ourselves so that every citizen is free from wants, the Governor added.
In his message, Chief Minister N Biren Singh remembered the valiant Manipuri soldiers led by Paona Brajabashi who fought a fierce battle with British Forces at the southern fringe of Manipur valley at Khongjom and laid down their lives.
The Battle of Khongjom is a story of heroism and patriotism against heavy odds, the outcome of which was a foregone conclusion, the Chief Minister noted.
“Even as we pay homage to the valiant heroes on this auspicious and solemn occasion, let us resolve to set aside differences and commit ourselves to upholding the unity and integrity of our country,” said Biren.
The Chief Minister also appealed to all the people of the state to give our best for transforming Manipur into a self-reliant and prosperous State.
