Manipur Gov calls for communal harmony

Respect the rule of law, said Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday as he called upon the people to uphold values such as integrity in public life and communal harmony, in his speech on the occasion of “Khongjom Day”.
Manipur on Thursday observed the historic Khongjom war, the last war of independence fought between the then Manipur kingdom and the British on this day in 1891.
Unlike other years, the day was observed with strict security measures in view of a boycott call by Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and total shutdown being imposed by several civil society groups.
Both the strikes were related to seeking of justice and accountability for two children killed in an RPG attack and three persons who died in CRPF firing during subsequent protests.
However, the observance was held peacefully with no untoward incident related to the strikes during the event.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led dignitaries and others in paying homage to the fallen war heroes at Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Thoubal district where the main event of the day was held.
The Governor and the chief minister also led the people to pay respect to Paona Brajabashi, the commander of the Manipur warriors by laying wreaths at his statue at Kheba foothill followed by a gun salute.
It was followed by offering of Tarpon (flowers and fresh fruits) at Khongjom River.
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of Khongjom, the Governor underscored the need to uphold integrity in public life, foster harmony among communities, and remain committed to the welfare of all citizens as he addressed the public event that followed.
He emphasized unity in diversity and called upon the people, especially the youth ,to work together in building a peaceful, inclusive, and united Manipur.
He said, “Respecting the rule of law and commitment to the welfare of all citizens will be the true tributes to the legacy of the martyrs.”
“The true patriotism lies in building an inclusive and progressive society, empowering youth, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Manipur,” he added, before urging the people to work collectively for peace, development, and a stronger Manipur.
Balla further called on every citizen to draw inspiration from the spirit of Khongjom and renewed their commitment to serve the state and the nation with dedication.
Addressing the occasion, chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said people of the state feel proud to live as Manipuri due to the bravery shown by theirforefathers, while fighting for their motherland during the Anglo-Manipur War 1891.
The supreme sacrificed of Maharaj Kulachandra, Yuvraj Tikendrajit, Paona Brajabashi, Chongtha Mia, Chinglensana and other brave warriors and their unwavering contributions towards defending the sovereignty of their motherland had kept the integrity of Manipur still intake, he added.
Recalling the unfortunate Tronglaobi incident, the chief minister expressed profound grief and sorrow.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to extend all possible assistance to the victim families.
Singh also appealed to the people not to resort to activities which would hinder developmental works and bring hardship and enmity among the people of the state, while acknowledging that people were staging protest at different places, due to sorrow and resentment caused by the unfortunate incident.
Singh further expressed thankfulness and appreciation to the people of the state for making it possible to observe the Khongjom Day successfully, amidst protests staged across the state.
Earlier, the observation commenced with Sankritan presented by the artists of Manipur State Kala Akademi.
The programme also featured rendition of the National Song by artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Music College, followed by the National Anthem by the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Band.
It was followed by the presentation of an opening song titled Manipur “Sheitharol” and Khongjom Parva by Khumanthem Sundari Devi and her party and a drama titled “Paona” staged by Rup Mahal Theatre.
State deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, home minister Govindas Konthoujam, arts and culture minister Kh Loken Singh and several MLAs, high ranking civil, police and army officials and general public attended the occasion.