IMPHAL, April 13: Family members and well-wishers of nine PLA cadres killed during the Kodompokpi gun-battle with security forces on April 13, 1982 turned up today at the memorial complex at the Cheiraoching to pay homage in their memory.
Floral tributes were offered at several places in the state today. The day was also observed at Kodompokpi and Khongjom Tekcham.
This year’s observation was without much disturbances unlike in the past years when well wishers coming to pay their tributes complained of police disturbances. However, children in school uniform who had arrived in the afternoon today at the Chingmeirong Cheiraoching memorial were denied entry by the police.
Even though there were no disturbances from the police during the paying of floral tributes, the star sign of the RPF/PLA constructed on the memorial tomb remained covered with a white cloth from public view during the entire proceedings.
It may be mentioned that family members and well-wishers had been observing the day since the 1990’s with the government prohibiting the observation. It was only in 2001 when the Gauhati High Court permitted people to pay floral tributes at the memorial tomb following a case filed by the families of the departed souls.
Offering of floral tributes at the Chingmeirong memorial tomb started around 8 am this morning. Well-wishers from across several communities including from the Meitei Pangal and other tribal communities came to pay their homage. A team of the Kabui Mothers’ Association also offered floral tributes at the memorial tomb at Chingmeirong Cheiraoching.
Speaking to media persons, a Kabui woman said she had come along with others from her tribe with the hope that it will bring unity amongst the different communities residing in the state.
She also said that before coming to offer their floral tributes, her team had not thought on community lines and had discarded the thoughts that they belong to another community.
Our Jiribam correspondent adds: As in other parts of the state, people offered floral tributes at a memorial site at the Jiribam Chingdon Leikai. The offering of floral tributes started from early this morning and was participated by people from Jiribam and Cachar.
Meanwhile, the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front has in a press statement signed by its Publicity secretary Roben Khuman thanked the elders, womenfolk, tribal brethrens, clubs, associations, schools and colleges, students and teachers, government employees and others who came to pay tribute on the occasion of “Athoubasinggi Numit” today.
The RPF in its statement also thanked the doctors and the nurses who came for medical aid and as well as the Manipur police including traffic police for guarding the people who came on the occasion.
The RPF statement however expressed unhappiness over the police for not allowing entry of some students in school uniforms who came at around 1:30 pm, to pay floral tribute to the memorial tomb of the “Athoubas.” While saying that the observation function of “Athoubasinggi Numit” is being held with the approval of the law, it appealed to the Manipur police not to create any obstacle to the people who had come for the function.