IMPHAL, April 23: President Pranab Mukherjee today presided over the 125th Khongjom Day observation and inaugurated the Khongjom War Monument cum Tourist Complex at Khebaching Khongjom.
Amid a boycott called by the CorCom against his visit to the State, the President arrived at the Tulihal International Airport at around 2.20 pm and was airlifted to the temporary Kodompokpi helipad ground in Thoubal district.
The President then headed for Kheba hillock, Khongjom where he paid homage at the martyrs’ memorial site.
Addressing the function, the President said that the Battle of Khongjom is one of the greatest battles of India.
The Manipuri soldiers who were outnumbered by the British, fought with primitive weapons against the British force, he said.
Narrating a brief history about how the English East India Company gradually expanded its control over the vast tracts of India and referring to the Battle of Khongjom, he said “As per the historian it was the last battle of annexation which began with the 1757 Battle of Plassey.”
The President said that British soldiers attacked Manipur from three different sides of Tamu of Myanmar, Cachar and Kohima. With their strong hold of armies, British captured Manipur in the same year, he said.
Acknowledging the bravery of the people, he said the brave forefathers gave “their today for our tomorrow.”
Comparing to other states of India, Manipur got her independence within a minimum period of time, he said.
Pranab Mukherjee continued “for a minimum period of time a part of Manipur was liberated by the INA led by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and unfurled the Tri-colour at a place near Moreh”.
He said the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru had called Manipur a “Jewel of India, truly a Jewel of India”, not only for the rich culture of the State, its scenic beauty, but also for the bravery of its people, pluralism of religion and acceptance of the universal love, the President said.
He further wished the people success and happiness for the future.
Manipur Governor V Shanmuganathan said that the day is observed commemorating the fight between British army and the Manipuri soldiers.
The Governor said Manipur is a historic place with courageous and brave people, beautiful landscapes, blue lakes and abundance of flora and faunas.
Manipur, he said is also well known in the field of sports, art and culture.
The Governor further spoke on the need to encourage maximum education and employment for the new generation.
He said in spite of of Manipur’s contribution in sports, music, dance, art and culture, there is a need to focus more on these areas to bring a better future.
In his speech, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said the newly unveiled monument was inspired by the “Phungga Nungdums”- (the three legs of a traditional hearth) which guards the hearth.
He said it symbolizes the three qualities admired by the Manipuri’s: strength, bravery and moral courage.
Each of the three pillars is 121 feet tall with a diameter measuring 1.30 meters at the base.
The pillars also symbolises the defense launched by the Manipuri Army at three sides during the 1891 war, he said adding that in Manipur the entire episode of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 is represented by the Battle of Khongjom.
The Chief Minister also said that his government is trying to make the observation more prominent and larger.
Ibobi said that since the Khongjom memorial complex lies along the Asian Highway No. 1, it will attract a number of tourists from the ASEAN countries besides from the neighbour States.
In the morning, the Chief Minister had laid the people including ministers, MLAs and officials in paying floral tributes before the statue of Paona Brajabashi and offered tarpan at the Khongjom River. A three round gun-salute was also offered in memory of the martyrs.
Deputy Chief Minster Gaikhangam delivered the vote of thanks.
Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshor; RD and PR Minister M Okendro and MLA P Brojen were also present as presidium members of the evening session.