135th memorial observation of Pukhrambam Kajao held at Kangmong

A fitting tribute was paid today to freedom fighter Pukhrambam Kajao on the occasion of his 135th Memorial Observation, held at the Pukhrambam Kajao Memorial Compound, Kangmong Maisnam Leikai.
The memorial event was jointly organized by the Justice Committee on the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and the Pukhrambam Kajao Memorial Trust. Among the dignitaries present on the dais were Ningthemcha Sanayaima, former Chairman of the UNLF, Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee on the Anglo-Manipur War 1891, Ngangom Tomal, Vice President of the Pukhrambam Kajao Memorial Trust, and political activist Hareshwar Goshwami, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Justice Committee Joychandra Konthoujam recalled the recent incident during the Shirui Lily Festival, where journalists travelling for coverage were stopped by central security forces and were asked to remove the Manipur State Transport signage. He said this incident has sparked strong emotions across the state and is seen as an insult to Manipur’s dignity. Joychandra criticised the silence of local MLAs and accused them of failing to defend the state’s honour. He further stated that in the current crisis, leaders must act in the interest of the people and not stay indifferent.
He remarked that today, while India claims to have eliminated over 100 terrorists in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, Manipur continues to suffer unchecked violence. Over 250 people have been killed, homes set ablaze, and many are still living in relief camps. He alleged that the ongoing unrest is being fueled by Kuki Narco-terrorists and that the silence of the Indian government raises suspicion of a larger design to destabilize Manipur. He warned that such treatment implies India considers Manipur a land of terrorists, a claim deeply unacceptable to the people of the state.
Joychandra also highlighted that while India proclaims to be a global power, it has failed to restore peace in Manipur. He pointed out the contradiction of deploying advanced military power across the globe while allowing lawlessness to prevail just 8 km from Kangpokpi. He called on the people to rise and defend the land, and stressed that the current struggle is not communal but a collective fight for the future of the indigenous people of Manipur.