CORRESPONDENT
KHONGJOM, April 23
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ich tributes were paid to the heroes who laid down their lives fighting the British by the Khongjom river in Manipur to safeguard an independent Manipur during the then historic Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891 on wednesday.
Paona Brajabashi, a Manipuri hero also sacrificed his life during the Anglo-Manipuri war that took place at Kheba hill, located about 35 km south of Imphal in Manipur’s Thoubal district.A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed heroes during the day’s observation.
Wearing the traditional mourning attires, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam along with the relatives’ of late British political agent in Manipur Grimwood attended the Khongjom war observation.
They also paid floral tributes to the departed souls of the Manipuri heroes including Paona Brajabashi,Chongtha Mia who died in the war besides offering tarpans at the Khongjom river.
Later artistes of the department of arts and culture staged a play on ‘Khongjom War’ after listening to traditional folk recital by famous folk artistes of the state.
Thousands of Manipuri including relatives, near and dear of the war heroes of the state besides other representatives of various social and voluntary organistions attended the observation.
