Manipur paid rich tributes to Maharaj Gambhir Singh on his 188th death anniversary with the main observance being organised by the state art and culture department at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Samadhi complex on Sunday.

Chief Minister N Biren led the ministers, MLAs, MPs, government officials, and the general public in offering floral tributes to the memorial and portrait of the late king, who spearheaded the war against Awa (Burmese) to end the ‘Seven Years of Devastation’ in 1826.

Later, a contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour, gun salute, and sounded the last post as a mark of respect to Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh, and all those who laid down their lives in the war for the motherland.

Biren also offered flowers at the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh, and Sana Herachandra. He offered ‘Tarpan’ and paid his respects at ‘Dhop pala’.

Speaking to the media, Biren urged the people for a peaceful, free, and fair election, mentioning that Manipur had experienced enough violence and unrest in the past. He also appealed not to indulge in violence and not let politics divide the people.

He said that the people of the current generation need to study the ideals upheld by the forefathers, who did not have any fear to lay down their lives for the motherland and adopt their patriotic feelings.

Manipur was occupied by Burma for seven years and in 1826, Maharaj Gambhir liberated Manipur.

Former chairman of a proscribed organisation RK Meghen also paid floral tributes at the occasion. Speaking to the media, RK Meghen briefed the events that led to the death of Gambhir Singh and said that today’s generation should remember history.

“We are indulging in luxurious things and activities but inside, we are still in poverty. We the Manipuris have neglected the true identity of the region,” said Meghen. He expressed concern that migrant people will dominate the state and all indigenous communities will become minorities. When the railway connectivity reaches the state, slums will rise everywhere, he said.