Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 23: Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said, “Today we are all here to celebrate the Khongjom Day as a mark of respect to those brave sons of Manipur who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of their motherland in the legendary battle of Khongjom in 1 891. Khongjom Day once again rejuvenates our memory about the great patriotism and indomitable courage displayed by Paona Brajabashi and others who laid down their lives in the fight against the British, the then mightiest imperialist power.
We are all aware from the pages of history that British came to India as traders in the name of East India Company. This took U-turn after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 in which the forces of East India Company defeated Siraj-Ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal. That signaled the arrival of British as rulers. Then the British taking advantage of the disunity and differences prevailing among the kings and princes of the then small kingdoms and principalities annexed them one after another thereby spreading and consolidating their empire. This was true in the case of Manipur also which led to Anglo-Manipur War of 1 891 . The battle of Khongjom was the bloodiest and the decisive battle of the Anglo-Manipur War after which the British Rule was established in Manipur.
Thus, we have learnt from history that disunity and differences not only weaken a nation but also are the root cause for the foreign intervention. While celebrating the Day, we need to remember this lesson and should renew our pledge to stand unitedly for our strength lies in our unity. It is that Unity which gave us our Independence. It is that Unity that gives us our strength as a nation.
Today, we are all citizens of free India. Much has changed. Now, we have challenges which are truly new. Challenges for which there are no ready made answers. It is unfortunate to mention here that Manipur has been passing through a difficult phase. The long period of turmoil has impacted the lives of its citizens.
Problems of insurgency and its ramifications such as abduction for ransom, extortion and killing continue while calling of frequent bandhs and blockades are taken for granted by various organizations.
On the other hand, it is disheartening to say that in a State which is famous for its Ima Keithel, Nupilal and Meira Paibis the crime against women is on the rise. These dark forces have been not only significantly hampering the pace of development and progress both in social and economic spheres of the State but also consuming the public money and energy of the Government. It is time for us to introspect and commit ourselves to bring the State among the comity of developed and peaceful States of the country.
Chief Minister O. Ibobi who also attended the function, said that the freedom we are enjoying today is not a gift from the British, but the gift of the brave sons of the land who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland. He urged the people to stand united whenever there is threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur and to be ready to fight for its protection.
He appealed to the people of Manipur to maintain peace in the state, and understand that there can be no development without peace. The chief minister also informed the gathering that the state government is planning to made Khongjom an eco-tourism spot, under a mega project which will cost around 20 crore.
Thousands of people from different parts of the state turned up at Khongjom War Memorial to pay their respect to the brave sons of Manipur who gave their lives for the sake of their motherland at the battle of Khongjom.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/khongjom-day-celebrated-dark-forces-hampering-pace-of-development-governor/
