Manipur prepares for Khongjom Day, buses available till war memorial

Imphal: Manipur is all set to pay tributes to its brave sons on the occasion of Khongjom Day, which is held every year on April 23, at Khongjom War Memorial Complex at Khebaching in Thoubal district on Saturday. 

The day is observed in remembrance to honour the gallant Manipuri warriors, including Major Paona Brajabashi, who had made the supreme sacrifice fighting against the British to protect the freedom of Manipur in the battle of Khongjom during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war.

Manipur Governor La Ganeshan and Chief Minister N Biren Singh will attend the observance function as chief guest and president, respectively. They will lead the public in laying of 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 at Thoubal is taking up all necessary measures for a successful observation of the day.  

This year the Thoubal district administration is also expecting a large number of public in attendance as the observation was restricted for the last two years due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the state government has arranged for free bus service to transport government employees, public and devotees from Imphal to Khebaching and back on Saturday.  

One bus each will be stationed at Manipur Public School at Koirengei, Lamboikhongnangkhong Ground and DC Office Porompat, which will depart at 6.30 am. Another four 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.

While extending greetings to the people of the state, Governor Ganesan said Khongjom Day is celebrated on April 23 every year to remember 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, said Governor Ganesan.

“On this occasion, while paying homage to the valiant heroes who fell at the battle of Khongjom and other fronts in the Anglo-Manipuri 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,” said the Governor.

He further appealed the public to forget any differences and re-dedicate themselves to the task of nation building and strive for bringing understanding, peace and harmony amongst themselves so that every citizen is free from wants.

CM Biren Singh, in his message, stated that on April 23, 1891, valiant Manipuri soldiers led by Paona Brajabashi 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, Singh said.

“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 the country,” stated the chief minister.

Let us also give our best for transforming Manipur into a self-reliant and prosperous state, Singh added.

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