Manipur existed as a princely State in its early stage and involved in a number of disputes with its neighbour Burma (Myanmar ). As per the Peberton Report, 1835, the territory of Manipur was very large as compared to the present one. It had never been static rather fluctuated at various times of different kings. King Pamheiba generally known by his other name Garibaniiwaj, was one of the great conquerors of Manipur. During his reign the Manipuris had acquired very considerable power. In the years 1725, 1735, 1738 and 1749, King Garibaniwaj repeatedly invaded Burma (now Myanmar), defeated Burmese Armies and devastated many parts of Burma. Manipur also faced Burmese invasion in her later period say in the year 1890 which led the so called seven years devastation in her history. During this period the then king Gambhir Singh of Manipur took shelter in Cachhar district of Assam. There he re-organised the army with the assistance of the British and ousted the Burmese from Manipur. Slowly, the British started interfering in the administration of Manipur. This ultimately led to a full fledged war with the British in 1891. The Manipuri heroes faced the wellarmed (with guns) and massive British forces with swords and spears. The last phase of this battle was fought at Khongjom and ended on 23rd April 1891. The Manipuri forces at Khongjom, led by Major Paona were defeated eventually by the British forces. Many soldiers, including Major Paona himself, had laid down their lives in the battle field. So this day, the 23rd April has been commemorated every year by the Manipuris as “Khongjom Day“ by delcaring a state holiday. Most of you may not be aware that many Muslims (Meetei Pangal) also took part in the Khongjom War under the leadership of Major Paona. Some of them are: 1. Babu alias Sandrokpa (of the clan/lineage Ipham) from Kairang, 2. Singa Dewan alias Khomyan Chaoba (Singamayum) of Kairang Khabeisoi, 3. Niyamatullah (Ipham) of Khetri Awang Leikei, 4. Moni Amandar (Ipham) of Khetri Awang Leikei, 5. Hamoon, younger brother of Moni Amandar, 6. Naokon Tomba (Ipham) of Khetri Bengoon, 7. Khamba alias Irong Taba (Ipham) of Keirao Makting, 8. Konsali Lallup Chingba alias Phingang Setpa (Ipham) of Keirao Makting, 9. Ajijur Rahman alias Shamu, son of Konsali Lallup of Keirao Makting, 10. Khema (Ipham) of Keirao Makting, 11. Chaodonpa from Kiyamgei, 12. Sanaola Haji alias Keikhumacha Haji (Nongjeimayum) of Keikhu, 13. Sher Shah alias Chibando Koot (Makakmayum) of Lilong Leihaokhong, 14. Koya Shah (Makakmayum) of Lilong, 15. Yusuf Ali, younger brother of Chibando Koot, of Lilong Leihoakhong, 16. Khela Koot (Makakmayum) of Lilong, 17. Tonjao (Yumkheibam) of Lilong, 18. Angou Lamboiba Havildar (Makakmayum) of Lilong, 19. Tolando Subehdar (Buyamayum) of Lilong Khong, 20. Pheira Jamadar (Thongkhongmayum) of Haoreibi Awang Leikai, 21. Sangai Subehdar (Makakmayum) of Lilong Haoreibi, 22. Joy Jatra (Makakmayum) of Haoreibi Leihaokhong, 23. Angou, younger brother of Joy Jatra, 24. Melei (Singgamayum), a bugler, of Haoreibi Chingkham, 25. Abdul Karim (Merai), bugler, of Lilong, 26. Asghar Ali alias Rupo Ali Mia (Phundreimayum) of Sangaiyumfam, 27. Rahamatullah alias Oraoba (Makakmayum) of Yairipok Tulihal, 28. Uno Nongshaiba (Nongshaimayum) of Yairipok Tulihal, 29. Haji Abungton (Khullakpam) of Yairipok Tulihal, 30. Sadhu (Makak Angouba) of Yairipok, 31. Yusuf Ali alias Kena (Makakmayum) of Yairipok Ningthounai. [Source: Dr. Syed Ahmed]. After the battle of Khongjom , the palace “Kangla” was captured by the British and subsequently Yuvraj Tikendrajit along with General Thangal were executed at a public place, on 13th August 1891.This day is still remembered and observed as “The Patriots Day“ since 1891,.After the defeat in the war, Manipur came under British rule. Shortly after this, on 15th October 1949 Manipur was merged into India through a merger agreement between the Government of India and the then Maharaja of Manipur and ended the era of the independent kindgom of Manipur. Hereafter, Manipur became a part of the Indian union. The State achieved its statehood in the year 1972. It is Lets pay tribute to the all martyrs and observe Patriots Day. Long Live Manipur. Info Source: twocircles.net & ssamanipur.nic.in
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 02:32:33 +0000
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