King Gambhir Singh recalled
UPF-HERICOUN observe Reconsolidation Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 09 2009: MAHARAJA GAMBHIR Singh's courage and grit were remembered today on his 175th death anniversary at the state level function as well as other functions organised by civil organisations and political parties at various places.

The state level function was held at Langthabal Kunja where the memorial tomb of Gambir Singh is located.

People offered floral tributes to the late King, who saved the then Manipur kingdom from the hands of the Avas who occupied the land for seven years and devastated the then society.

People offering floral tributes to the potrait of King Gambhir Singh

Education, Transport and Sericulture Minister, L Jayentakumar, MLAs Kh Loken and O Joy attended the function organised by Art and Culture Department, Government of Manipur.

The marchers of the Manipur Levy-2008 took a procession and converged at the memorial site of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at Langthabal and offered floral tributes to the portrait of the late brave king.

It may be recalled here that Maharaj Gambhir Singh along with the British expelled the Ava army from the soil of Manipur.

After offering floral tributes to the late Maharaja, the marchers of the Manipur Levy arrived at Mapal Kangjeibung to witness a polo game and Mukna Kangjei.

In another observance held at Kangla Hall, MP Dr T Meinya said, if people are united, no one could stand before them.

If Manipuri people stand unitedly, anything could be achieved.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the observance of Reconsolidation Day organised jointly by the United People's Front (UPF) and Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) in connection with the 175th death anniversay of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at Kangla hall today.

The two civil societies observed the day remembering Meidingu Chinglen Nongdren Khomba, popularly known as Gambhir Singh, the king of Manipur who drove out the invading Ava army from Manipur and regained freedom of the then princely state of Manipur.

MP, Dr T Meinya was the chief guest, President of HERICOUN, Rev Rehang Chothe presided and Prof N Joykumar of Department of History, MU was the guest of honour.

UPF president YK Dhiren, retired lecturer Rose Mangsi Haokip, ex-secretary, Manipur Bar Association Abdul Kayam and president of Rongmei Lu Phuam (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) L Golmei were the presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Meinya said if Maharaja Budhachandra stands by his commitment by scarifying his life instead of signing the Merger Agreement in 1949, then Manipur may not be under the Indian Union.

His readily sign agreement has led to the neglect of Manipur by the India, he added.

It is evidence from the history, he says, if not united among its people, the country or the state drowns into misfortune.

"If we stand together, we can achieve freedom from India," he adds while remembering the fall of USSR.

Many experts in the field talks on the account of the devastation of the Manipur by the Awa during their invasion for seven and how Gambhir Singh re-collect the Manipuri settling outside the state and build up a strong warriors to push out the Awa and regain the freedom with the help of the then British East India Company.