IMPHAL, April 25: Commemorating the historic Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Khongjom Battle Memorial Committee observed the 125th Khongjom Battle Day at Khongjom Tengkhol Ground, Thoubal district today.
A large number of people who attended the observance paid rich floral tributes at the memorial monument site where statues of Major Chongthamiya and several brave warriors who lost their lives in the battle, are erected.
The participants also offered tarpan at the sacred Khongjom River as a mark of honour to the deceased warriors.
The main observation was held at Khongjom Community Hall wherein titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, Professor Yumnam Mohendro, president of Writer’s Union Asrun Kabir; editor-in-chief of ISTV cable network Brojendro Ningomba, president of DESAM Moirangthem Angamba and president Kangleipak Srudent’s Association Moirangthem Laksman attended as presidium members.
Speaking at the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that he felt honoured to offer floral tributes at the memorial site and Khongjom River in remembrance of the warriors who fought bravely against the mighty British forces to safeguard the integrity and independence of Manipur.
He noted that it is high time for the younger generation to ascertain the actual date of the Khongjom Battle in order to avoid confusion over the occurence in future.
If the people continue to observe the historic Khongjom Battle Day on a wrong date then it is a sin, he said.
The titular king maintained that experts have now come up with concrete documents to prove that the battle was fought on April 25 not on April 23.
Emphasizing on the need for holding open public discussion to ascertain the exact date of the battle, he called upon the people to observe the day on the actual date which ought to be done.