Imphal: It was a day of paying tribute to those who attained martyrdom while fighting for the motherland in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
Series of battles took place as the British Empire attacked Manipur from three sides, and a major decisive battle took place at Khongjom, Thoubal district.
Governor Anusuiya Uikey, speaking during the function at the Khongjom war memorial, said, “Today is the day of remembering the heroes of Manipur and paying homage to those patriots who laid down their lives fighting against the British in 1891.”
While observing this day, we need to remember that foreign powers become active only when there are internal conflicts, the governor expressed.
She said that the Khongjom War was an important event in the history of Manipur.
There are many unknown heroes who have fought against foreign forces like the British in villages, mountains, and places like Manipur and awakened the spirit of freedom in the people, she said, adding that there is a need to remember them also. And for this, they are being remembered during the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, she said.
She said the sacrifices of Manipur’s heroes like Major Paona Brajabashi, Major Chongtham Mia, Chinglen Sana, Major Khumbong, Major Loitongba, and many more are important, and there is a need to remember them.
She appealed to the youth of the state to reject violence and join the mainstream to work for the development and progress of the country.
“We should also remember our pledge to maintain and protect the independence and sovereignty of our country and its dignity”, she added.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said the state was remembering those who had sacrificed their lives 132 years ago for their motherland.
“We all know why and how the Khongjom War was fought. Despite knowing their disadvantages of being ill-equipped and outnumbered, our brave forefathers fought the British.”
“Today, what is important is whether today’s generation is able to safeguard, preserve the freedom, independence given to us by our brave forefathers,”
the Chief Minister said.He recounted the public uproar in Manipur against the British’s decision to send Maharaj Kullachandra and others to a jail in Andaman Nicobar and the eventual release of the Maharaj owing to the public uproar.
The Chief Minister elaborated that Maharaj Kullachandra refused to apologise before the British Queen and to assure not to rebel against British rule.
When the Maharaj was eventually released, he decided to move to Brindavan, citing that he could not return to his land when his people were under the British, N. Biren Singh continued.
“We fought against the British as a united Manipur,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting the participation of different communities in the war. “We lived together, we are living together, and we will continue to live together,” he stated.
The observation began with the laying of wreaths led by the Governor and the Chief Minister at the Khongjom War Memorial.
