IMPHAL, September 20: State Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today led the ceremonial offering of tarpan homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the land at the sacred Khongjom River at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex.
Today’s tarpan offering observation was organized by the Khongjom War Memorial Trust and was attended by a large number of people coming from different parts of the state who offered floral tributes to the martyrs.
Holding a sword, gun or arrow does not make someone a brave person, however a hero is someone who is ready to sacrifice and fight till the end even while knowing that he will be defeated, said the Dy CM.
Speaking to media persons, he said that the martyrs of the state had fought against the mighty British without caring about their lives.
Following in the footsteps and dreams of the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in trying to protect the state against external forces is the right way to show respect to the departed souls, he said.
By following in their footsteps, the people of the state could also counter any threat on the state, Gaikhangam continued.
Expressing that there is no classification or designation of efforts when it comes to protection of the state’s integrity and culture, he called upon the people to make equal contribution in making the state a self-reliant land.
The Dy CM also called upon the people to remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs on this day and to work collectively for the betterment of the state.
While giving the key note address, S Hemanta President of the Khongjom War Memorial Trust said the Khongjom Tarpan was observed for the first time in 1994 under the leadership of (L) Moirangthem Ibotombi (Heirok Ibotombi) and Ema Ibeni with the message of “Lan pamdre, lan tok asi”.
The trust has been trying to place the longest ‘’Thangsang’’ in the world at the sacred place and the efforts committed by the Trust for this would bear fruit one day, he said.
As a part of the function, floral tributes were also offered at the statue of Paona Brajabasi erected at Kheba Chingkhong.
The observance function which was attended by CAF & PD Minister M Okendro as president, was also attended by MLAs and cabinet ministers of the government.
