Imphal, April 14: Thousands of people including family members and friends of those who were killed in encounters by security forces paid floral tributes to the slain cadres of Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and its armed wing People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on the occasion of “Manipur Martyrs day” here today at the memorial site of Manipur Martyrs Complex located at Chingmeirong Cheiraoching. Every year the outfit observes April 13 as Martyrs’ Day to pay homage to its slain cadres.
In April 13, 1982, nine pioneer PLA cadres namely Moirangthem Premkumar, Khundrakpam Chaobal @ Rajendra, Thoudam Kunjabihari Meitei, Thoudam Loken Meitei, Naorem Rajen Meitei, Maibam Paka @ Chaothoi, Sorokhaibam Kameshwor @ Kanta, Rk Khoiromba @ Gyane and Lakpoklakpam Dilip achieved martyrdom in the battle of Kodompokpi. It was one battle which vividly demonstrated the spirit and conviction of the liberation movement. The Family Committee for Observation of 13th April organised the event after seeking permission from the authorities through a writ petition filed in the Manipur High Court to allow people to offer floral tributes to the PLA cadres at the memorial site at Cheiraoching, Chingmeirong. This time, the authorities permitted the family committee to perform the ceremony from 8 am till 4 pm. Personnel of Manipur Police took up adequate security measures in and around Chingmeirong Cheiraoching to prevent any untoward incident during the ceremony.
Visitors who came to pay tribute to the memorial site of the Martyrs complex also paid floral tributes to the statues of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Paona Brajabashi and revolutionary leader Hijam Irabot. Later in the evening, candles were light up along the streets in some areas of the city as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
Family members and relatives also paid floral tribute to the slain cadres of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and its armed wing People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a memorial site located at Tekcham.
Publicity Sub Committee of Family’ Committee for Observation of 13th April (FACEO) gives their warm gratitude to transport Association, Transport Owners Agency, Package Drinking Water Supplier Agency, Doctors and Staff of RIMS, Health Services, JNIMS, SHIJA, Join Forest Development Committee, Official of THAU for their heartfelt support as well as to all the different community who have came from far places, Meira Paibis, members of clubs, students, family members and relatives of those slain cadres and the well-wisher for their participation in paying tribute to the Martyrs at the Manipur Martyrs Complex, Chingmeirong Cheiraoching.