Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Monday greeted the people of the State on the occasion of Khongjom Day.
The Governor, in her greetings, said that Khongjom Day is celebrated on April 23 every year in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices made by the forefathers who died for the freedom of their motherland.
She extolled their tremendous courage and immense patriotism for the motherland and stated that they fought against the mightiest power of the world without even a thought of surrender.
The Governor called upon all to renew their vow to preserve and defend the sovereignty of the country and prepare to face any challenge that might come in the way while paying homage to the valiant heroes who fell at the battle of Khongjom and other fronts in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
‘Let us forget any differences and re-dedicate ourselves to the task of nation building. Let us strive for bringing understanding, peace and harmony amongst ourselves so that every citizen is free from wants’, she added.
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Chief Minister N Biren Singh also extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Khongjom Day and appealed the people to resolve to stand in unison for a united Manipur.
In his wishes, the CM emphasised the significance of Khongjom Day asserting that the day is observed every year to pay homage to our valiant heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. He recalled that on this day in 1891, valiant Manipur’ soldiers led by Paona Brajabashi died fighting a fierce battle with British forces at the southern fringes of Manipur valley at Khongjom.
Their courage and heroism are of utmost relevance today when the state is faced with divisive forces who are bent upon destroying the state’s age-old fabric of harmonious living, he said while urging the people to work together in facing all evils that stand before us today.
President of BJP Manipur Pradesh A Sharda Devi also sent wishes to the people on the occasion of Khongjom Day and urged people to pay tribute to all the heroes who laid down their lives for our freedom.
Sharda, in her message, said ‘As we honor the valor and sacrifice of our brave ancestors on Khongjom Day 2024 (23s April each year), let us bow our heads in reverence to the indomitable spirit of Paona Brajabasi and the countless heroes who stood unwavering in the face of adversity during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891’.
She asserted that their sacrifice, their unwavering determination and their undying love for their land resonate through the annals of time, inspiring the people to cherish the legacy they left behind and to strive for a future worthy of their noble aspirations.
She appealed to all to pledge to uphold the values of bravery, resilience, and unity that define the spirit of Khongjom and wished that their bravery continue to guide and inspire the people, reminding them of the power of courage and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
She added that their sacrifice shall never be forgotten, their legacy shall live on in the heart of every patriot, and their spirit shall continue to illuminate the path towards a brighter tomorrow.
