Khongjom Day is a regional public holiday in the Indian state of Manipur. It is observed every year on April 23rd. It marks the anniversary of a battle that was fought at the Kheba hills of Khongjom in Manipur in 1891. This day is observed to pay tribute to the war heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War, who sacrificed their lives fighting against the British to protect the freedom of Manipur.
KEY POINTS:
- Manipur Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as well as the general public, attended the state-level Khongjom Day ceremony at Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Khebaching, Thoubal district.
- Every year on the 23rd of April, Manipur commemorates Manipuri warriors who battled against the British, especially Major Paona Brajabashi. The Governor and Chief Minister of Manipur joined the people of Manipur in a floral homage to the heroes. At Khebaching, two minutes of silence were held, as well as a gun salute.
- Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking at the event, stated that the younger generation must remember our forebears’ sacrifices and always fight for a united nation. Chief Minister also thanked the Centre for renaming Mount Harriet in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur. He explained that the decision was made in honour of Manipur fighters’ sacrifice.