Khongjom Day: Bravehearts honoured at Kakching, Jiribam, Thoubal, Tripura

Our Correspondents
TBL/JBM, Apr 23: In keeping with tradition, Khongjom Day was observed across the State today to commemorate the Battle of Khongjom and  the brave warriors who sacrificed their  lives fighting against the British forces for the freedom of Manipur.
On the occasion of Khongjom Day, floral tributes were offered to Major Wangkhei Meiraba Poila, Leishangthem Amu and other unsung heroes of Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 at their memorial site located at  Kakching Manao Ching.
The program was organized by Major Wangkhei Meiraba Memorial Trust, People's Museum Kakching and Leishangthem Amu Memorial Trust in association with the Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipuri War 1891, Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak (Manipur).  
It was attended by Ibotombi Khuman, chairman, Justice Committee; Wangkheimayum Opendro, offspring of Wangkhei Meiraba Poila; Leishangthem Achou, offspring of Leishangthem Amu and many other notable personalities.
Separately, Sahitya Seva Samiti Kakching Manipur and Iramdam Khorjei Apunba Lup (IKHAL) Hiyanglam Wabagai also organised Khongjom Day observation at the residence of Maibam Nabakishore at Hiyanglam Mayai Leikai.  
The gathering observed a 2-minute silence to honour the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for their motherland during Khongjom War.
The event was graced by Professor Nongmaithem Rajmohan, Vice Chancellor, DM University Imphal as the chief guest and Kshetri Bir, president, Sahitya Seva Samiti Kakching Manipur and Maibam Nabakishore, president, IKHAL, Hiyanglam Wabagai as the guests of honour.  
The gathering offered a floral tribute on the bust of Paona Brajabashi, followed by a poetry reading session and  speeches delivered by Professor Dr Chirom Rajketan, Associate Professor, Manipuri Department, Manipur University and Naoroibam Indramani, president, Historical and Cultural Research Centre Imphal.  
BJP Heirok Mandal also observed "Khongjom Lal Ningsing Numit" at the Mandal office located at Heirok Part II, Thokchom Leikai. Led by  Mandal president Thokchom Chourjit, a floral tribute was paid to the portrait of Paona Brajabashi.
At Jiribam, Khongjom Day was observed at Biodiversity Park Ningsingkhun. The programme was organised by the Pari Puri Athouba Ningsing Lup, (PPANL) Jiribam. Sanasan Lalmani, chairman, PPANL led the gathering in offering a floral tribute as well as "Tarpan" to the war heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891.
The day was also observed in the State of Tripura at Abhoynagar and Gournagar where a statue of Paona Brajabashi has been erected.  
At Gournagar , Manipuri Literary & Cultural Forum organised the event while  Puthiba Welfare & Cultural Society and Paona Brajabashi Foundation organised the function at Abhoynagar. Co-operative Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, AMC Corporator Bhaswati Debbarma and social worker Papia Dutta graced the function. A blood donation camp was also held at Abhoynagar in this connection.