Khongjom Day on Apr 25, asserts Jhaljit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 25 2013: Contrary to the Government of Manipur observing April 23 as Khongjom Day in commemoration of the Battle of Khongjom fought between the then soldiers of independent Manipur kingdom and British forces, former principal of LMS Law College RK Jhalajit Singh insisted that the battle's commemoration falls on April 25 .

Citing British Government record that the battle was actually fought on April 25 and not April 23, Jhalajit called upon the State Government to take relevant steps and arrange for observance of the event on April 25 .

Jhalajit commented on the issue while speaking as the chief guest at the observance of Khongjom Battle Day today at Tengol Lampak, Khongjom.

The commemoration function was jointly organised by Major Chongtham Miya Memorial Committee and Khongjom Battle Memorial Celebration Committee, Manipur during which known as well as unknown martyrs of the 1891 battle were remembered by the people.

Referring to the british Government record, Jhalajit maintained that on April 23, 1891 the british soldiers had not even arrived at the battle spot and thus no conflict could have taken place.

Appealing to the Government for necessary arrangement/amendment to ensure that history of Manipur is not distorted, he desired that from next year onward Khongjom Day be observed on April 25 at Tengol Lampak, the location where the battle was reportedly fought.

The fact that Manipuri forefathers engaged the mighty british soldier in the battle inspite of being fully aware that the former would face defeat demonstrates valour and patriotism of Manipuris with their courage even gaining recognition from the british Government, said the chief guest.

He further pointed out that in the past april 23 used to be observed as Paona Day but a later decision resulted in the observance of Paona Day and Khongjom Day on the day before the latter was given weightage.

Recounting that himself, along with eminent scholars N Khelchandra, RK Sanahal and Elangbam Nilakanta submitted a joint memorandum for the Government of Manipur to rectify the date/day of Khongjom Day observance, Jhalajit lamented that the intimation was disregarded by the then Government that formed a committee comprising of Dr Chandramani, Y yaima and some other individuals as the members.

The said members not only perused relevant records about the history-changing battle but persisted with April 23 to commemorate Khongjom Day, claimed the former principal who also opined that had Dr Chandramani in his documentation (thesis) at Guwahati University rectified enlisting April 23, 1891 as the day Khongjom battle was fought there would neither be confusion over the issue nor would Manipur's history remain distorted.

Speaking at the occasion, Manipur University's History Department Professor Naorem Joykumar said that as history is based on facts utmost care should be taken in chronicling/documentation of history as the slightest mistake have the potential to mislead present as well as future generations.

He also suggested that debates be conducted to bring out the truth and rectify mistakes, if any.

While many unknown sons of the soil laid down their lives at the 1891 battle of Khongjom for protecting Manipur's identity and political status, contribution of Major Chongtham Miya remains outstanding, said the professor who strongly advocated unity and cooperation among the present generation with the grim reminder that Manipur lost its independence due to enmity amongst the heirs of the then ruler(s).

He further said that observing April 25 as Khongjom Day would be a significant contribution by the present generation in putting Manipur's history on the right track.

Offering of tarpan at the Khongjom River and floral tributes to known and unknown martyrs of the battle marked the observance function.

Meanwhile, Women Welfare Association, Kangleipak (WWOK) commemorated the 1891 battle (of Khongjom) as 'Aniraksuba Ningtam Lan Ningshing Thouram', with resource persons elaborating on relevant topics at Manipur Press Club today.

The event held with Life Watch chief administrator Angomcha Araba, WWOK president Ksh Bala leima and CSSEIT MU Reader Thiyam Bharat Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively had Lilong Haoreibi College Associate Professor N Birchandra and Standard College Senior Lecturer M Ranjana as the resource persons.

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