President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday inaugurated the war monument at Khongjom in Manipur on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the last battle of independence of the Manipuris against the British army.
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh explained that the tripod monument, inaugurated by the President, depicts strength, the indomitable spirit and courage of the Manipuris.
Governor V. Shamuganathan said the brave soldiers of Manipur fought the battle even though they knew that as they were armed with primitive weapons, they had no chance of winning.
Mr. Mukherjee said after annexing various States in the East, the south and west, the Britishers of the mercantile company had directed their eyes towards the remaining parts. Though Queen Victoria said that from 1858 there would be no more annexation, Manipur was invaded. While King Surchandra accepted the protection of the British, paramount princes like Tikendrajit revolted.
To annex Manipur, the Britishers sent three columns from Assam and Myanmar.
He said it was the endurance, tolerance and determination of the brave people that stood by them in good stead.
The President said Manipur had the shortest time under British rule. Netaji had hoisted the flag of independence at Moreh, Manipur’s border town in 1945. “I join the brave sons and daughters of Manipur in paying homage,” he said.
Governor Shamuganathan said though Manipur is the power house of sports, there was need to speed up education and generate employment.
Will attract touristsChief Minister Singh said that since the monument is located along the Trans Asian highway, it would attract tourists and boost the state economy.
Security was beefed up at the venue following the boycott call given by the insurgents of the President’s function.
There was an ambush against Assam Rifles a few days ago and one police station in Imphal was attacked.
