Khongjom Day & Present Manipur

‘’Freedom cannot be bartered away or compromised at any cost and under any circumstance.’’
The British came to India as a trading company and later on became the master of the sub-continent. The purpose of a trading company is to earn profit through trade. First, they made friendship with the native rulers, presented gifts to impress them and later they started to interfere in the internal affairs of the state by helping one faction or another of the ruling family/dynasty as and when the Colonial masters considered it opportune. At last, the foundation of the ruling family/dynasty crumbled. ‘Divide and rule’ is the only policy they employed in all parts of the world. So, one should never enter into friendship with the British. Only a few number of British officers stationed in India. However, they were sent to India after getting well training of anthropology. As colonial officials they collected ethnographic data of the native peoples by conducting field work or through local interpreters before entering in the particular region or state. In this way, Colonial masters could effectively deal with the native peoples of Northeast.
Manipuri people resented the British interference in the internal affairs of Manipur. In March 1891, the British Army fired the first shot at Kangla with the objective of arresting Yuvaraj Tikendrajit. After the whole day’s fighting on the 24th of March, the British declared a ceasefire. A meeting was called at Kangla between the representatives of the people and the British administration. For a Darbar to be held, five British officers were sent. When the talks failed, the Manipuri people attacked the British delegation. Princely state Manipur fights its last war of independence against the mighty British forces in 1891 which is regarded as one of the most glorious chapters of the state’s history. Since then Manipur lost her independence but regain it in 1947. The princely state merged with the Union of India in 1949.Resistance of the Manipuris displayed against the British has become another legend of patriotism and valour, reminding patriotism, spirit of dedication and indomitable courage. The present generation owes it to those martyrs to do everything to strengthen the unity and integrity of the country, so that foreign powers could not able to ever enslave the Manipuris. Fitting homage to all those brave heroes who laid down their lives in the Khongjom war would be to dedicate the people for strengthening the bond of oneness and spreading the message of peaceful coexistence among all the ethnic groups in the state. History tells that the battle of Khongjom takes place because of differences and disunity amongst the princes of Manipur after the death of Maharaja Chandrakriti that leads to the battle of Khongjom. This battle was not an isolated event. It was another link in the long chain of events which made up the saga of the fights against the British who launched three pronged strategies against the Manipuris. The attacks were made from Silchar, Kohima and Tamu (Myanmar).
To resist the advancing British column from Tamu, 700 Manipuris were sent to Thoubal under Wangkheirakpa and Yenkhoiba Major. At this critical time, the Maharaja sent four hundred sepoys under the leadership of Paona Brajabasi and Chongtha Mia Singh to oppose the British forces. But, the Manipuri forces were outnumbered and the enemy was superior in arms, too. When the war began, powerful British guns had fatal impacts at the Fort of Manipur, but the gallant Manipuri warriors fought till their last breath to safeguard the territory and independence of Manipur. Manipur built three defensive places to fight against the invaders; the first one was at Palel, the second, was at Kakching and the third was at Khongjom. Many Manipuris, including Pukhramba Tanka, Khumbong Subedar, Leisang Jamadar, and Athokpa Dewan sacrificed their lives. Two Tangkhuls were also among those killed in a hand-to-hand fight. On the 27th of April 1891, the British Forces occupied Kangla. The hero of the battle, Major Paona Brajabashi is being honored by the Manipuris as the epitome of patriotism and bravery. Till his last breath, he refused to surrender and bravely chose death over serving the British. Among others who fought gallantly in the battle were Major Chongtham Mia, Chinglen Sana, Khumbong Major, Loitongba Jamadar, Keisa Jamadar, Heirang Kongja, and many more. The heroism of the gallant warriors is being passed down through generations in the form of a traditional ballad ‘Khongjom Parva’. The sacrifice of Paona Brajabashi and other heroes should not go waste. Their vision will remain unfulfilled unless determined efforts are made to get the state out of the vicious circle. An environment must be created where Manipuris enjoy a sense of security to live with a life of dignity and peace.
Every year, on the 23rd of April, the whole state of Manipur pays homage to those great warriors at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex. The solemn Memorial is situated about 35 Km south of Imphal in Thoubal district at the site where the battle was fought between Manipuri and the British. It stands there as a living symbol of the spirit of patriotism and heroism of the Manipuris. Today, the state observes Khongjom day on April 23 every year at Khebaching about 35km from the state’s capital – Imphal, to mark the martyrs who laid down their lives for the causes of the Manipuris. In fact, the whole nation indebted to martyrs like Paona Brajabashi who stands up to the mighty British forces and fight valiantly for safeguarding Manipur’s freedom.23rd April is remembered as Khongjom Day in Manipur every year to pay tribute to the war heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891. .
As we pay tribute to the war heroes of Khongjom Day, we are reminded not just of the valor that soaked the soil of Khongjom in 1891 but also of the current trials that test our resolve and unity as a state. This day marks the bravery of those who fought fiercely against colonial forces, embodying the spirit of independence and resistance. However, the resonance of Khongjom Day extends beyond historical remembrance—it casts a reflective light on our present challenges and the path we tread as a society.
In 1891, the heroes of Manipur did not hesitate to stand up against overwhelming odds. Their battle was for sovereignty, a testimony to their unyielding desire for self-determination. Today, as we face a myriad of socio-political and economic crises, the essence of their struggle—their unflinching dedication to the land and its people—must inspire our approach to contemporary issues.
Manipur today grapples with internal divisions, unrest, and developmental disparities that threaten the fabric of our society. The spirit of unity and collective fight, exemplified by our forefathers at Khongjom, is urgently needed to address these crises. It is imperative that we draw from our history not just lessons of courage but also of cohesion. The enemies might have changed—from colonial oppressors to poverty, corruption, and communal discord—but the need for a united stand, as was shown at Khongjom, remains critically relevant. Khongjom Day should serve as a catalyst for renewed nationalistic fervor aimed at uplifting the entire community. It should provoke a dialogue among all stakeholders in Manipur, including the government, civil societies, and the citizens, to forge a coherent strategy for development and peace. This day must transition from a solemn remembrance to an active, participatory observation that involves education on the historical significance, coupled with forums and discussions on resolving current issues.
As we lay wreaths and sing the songs of our heroic past, let us also pledge to act decisively against the adversities we face today. Let every citizen of Manipur take this day to reflect on what they can contribute to the state’s progress, inspired by the same commitment that defined our ancestors at Khongjom. Khongjom Day is not just a tribute to the past; it is a mirror reflecting our present and a window to our potential future. Would our forefathers be pleased with the current state of Manipur? It is likely that they would shed tears witnessing our disunity, dishonesty, and lack of courage in addressing the challenges we face. As we approach the anniversary of violence, we find ourselves unable to move beyond Kangpokpi, surrounded and trapped in this valley. Our society has descended into chaos, with lies and deceit becoming the norm, particularly evident in the recent events in the valley. Today, tears may indeed fall from heaven as our forefathers observe the plight of Manipur, a far cry from the vision of freedom and dignity for which they bravely fought. Let this day rekindle a collective consciousness and propel us towards a more united, prosperous Manipur. Let the echoes from Khongjom remind us that the battles may have changed, but the need for bravery, unity, and perseverance endures. As we honor our forefathers, let their spirit invigorate us to tackle today’s challenges with the same courage and unity.To conclude, ‘divide and rule,’ the only policy the British applied in all parts of the world, this policy not only did divide the ruling princes but also the peoples of Manipur. The foundation of the state crumbled because of this policy; ultimately, Manipur lost her independence status. Because of the prevailing situation in the country and world, we can observe the day at home.
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