Manipur celebrates Khongjam Day

Imphal: Manipur celebrated Khongjom Day with official honors on Saturday at Kheba Chung in Khongjom of Thoubal district. The prestigious occasion began with a gun salute at the tomb of Paona Brajabasi with the Guard of Honor, who laid down his life during the last battle of the Anglo-Manipur War fought in 1891.

The state celebrates this day every year (April 23) in memory of the sacrifices of our brave heroes.

As part of the observation, flowers were paid homage on the Khongjom River with traditional rituals and tarpan. Manipur Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister N Baran Singh, ministers, MLAs and other senior government officials also attended the flower-laying ceremony.

Speaking as the special guest, Governor La Ganesan said that life is sacrifice, sacrifice is life. “The sacrifices of our forefathers must always be remembered and respected. We must follow in their footsteps and protect their dignity. Conquering the hearts of the people is also a unique role of our leaders which we must learn from them.

Governor Ganesan further said that India is a land of difference which makes the country unique from other countries. Similarly, Manipur has a distinct historical role among the Indian states. He further said that people should understand the reason why Khongjom Day is being celebrated.
In his presidential address, CM Baran Singh said that the ancient history of Manipur and the sacrifices of our forefathers will always remain in our hearts. The current historic site of Khongjom , especially the Tengol Lampak, will be beautified and upgraded soon after the cabinet decision. The call of Nation First and United India, advocated by our leaders, must be respected.

As a federal state, respect for the states by the Center is commendable. Baran Singh further said that renaming Mount Harriet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur is a living example of the respect shown by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Manipur.

Khongjom Lal, a drama based on the 1891 war Khongjom, was performed by artists from the Department of Art and Culture as part of the observation. Khongjom Parba, a traditional folk song depicting the Khongjom Jang, was also performed by renowned folk singer Sundari Devi and her team.