187th death anniv of Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba UPF calls for unity, collective development

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 9 : Comme-morating the 187th death anniversary of Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba or Maha-raj Gambhir Singh, the United People's Front (UPF) observed 'National Reconso-lidation Day, 2021' here at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound today.
The commemorative programme was attended by UPF president W Second; president of Kuki Inpi, Imphal, Mangcha Haokip; vice president of Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO), RV Son Zimik and general secretary of Kabui Union Manipur Lamlou Kabui as presidium members on the dais.
Floral tributes were paid to the photo of the late king who led in expelling the Burmese from Manipur to end the 'Seven Years Devastation' on the occasion which was attanded by Professor (MU) MC Arun; Assistant Professor (Thoubal College) Dr Abdul Salam and Associate Editor, Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, RK Bobichand as resource persons.
UPF president W Second, in his speech underscored the significance of observing the programme and pinned the importance of maintaining unity among all.
Recalling the Burmese occupation of Manipur from 1819-1826, W Second said that disunity among the princes of Manipur was the precursor to the devastating period in the history of Manipur.
Lauding the spirit of Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba and the immense love he possessed for the motherland, W Second underlined the importance of  unity and its strength.
In-fighting and disunity among Manipuri princes which led to the 7 Years Devastation, were settled under his (Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba) leadership to help usher in a new era and present a new Manipur, he continued.
He also expressed concern over the growing differences among the different communities which keep on threatening to ruin the spirit of unity and love for the motherland instilled by King Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba.
Calling on all communities to give up personal interests, he also appealed to one and all to join hands together and work out an inclusive strategy for collective development of the State.
Professor MC Arun also recalled the role of Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba in the National liberation movement after 7 years of rule by Burmese and maintained that he was the symbol of unity.
He also left all ingredients necessary for reshaping Manipur, said Prof MC Arun.
Contrary to his efforts, Manipur lost Kabow Valley, which is ten times larger than the present Manipur valley, due to poor international political dispensation involving India, China and Myanmar, he lamented.
Had the valley been a part of Manipur, the State may have not experienced such an unsettling and uneasy situation, he said.
Highlighting that the sense of patriotism and Nationalism invoked by the 'Seven Years Devastation', he also urged  all to carry forward the same spirit and promote it among all the communities.
 Bust of Maharaj Gambhir Singh unveiled in Hojai
Chairperson of Hojai Zilla Parishad, Romobala Devi unveiled a bust of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Hojai, Assam, today. The programme was organised by All Lanka Manipuri Inter Club (ALMIC), Lanka, Hojai, Assam.
Floral tributes were paid to the bust of the then king of Manipur.
Social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram also took part in the programme.
Following the unveiling of the bust, an open  meeting was convened in the presence of ALMIC  president Kh Arunkumar.
MPDF
The Manipur People's Democratic Front (MPDF) also observed the 187th death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at its head office at Sagolband Tera Thingbaijam Yambem Leikai.
The observance was presided by the founder cum secretary of MPDF Sapam Samungou Singh.
During the observance, the gathering led by S Samungou offered floral tributes to the photo of Maharaj Gambhir Singh.
Poem recitation competition
Lilong Haoreibi College Literary Club organized a patriotic poem recitation competition as a tribute to Maharaj Gambhir Singh in commemoration of his death anniversary today at the multipurpose hall of the college.
The competition was organized to create sense of patriotism amongst the  youth of the college, said a statement issued by Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh, Principal, Lilong Haoreibi College.
Following the Covid 19 appropriate behaviour, the preliminary round was done online, said the Principal and added that the poems submitted online were examined by an expert committee and only 10 poems were selected for presentation in the event.
Reiterating that the incident of Seven Years Devastation took place as a result of disunity amongst the royal families, Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh in his introductory speech emphasized that "no one can defeat us so long as we work together unitedly." Later, he also presented a self-written poem to open the session.