Kakching, September 8: A solemn tribute ceremony was held on Tuesday at Pallel to honour the brave individuals who laid down their lives while defending the motherland during the fierce battle fought against attacks launched by Kuki narco-terrorists on September 8, 2023.
Floral tributes were offered at the memorials of the fallen, and essential items were presented to their families as a mark of respect and gratitude.
The programme was organised at Pallel Maning Leikai Community Hall under the joint initiative of the United Committee Pallel (UCP), Youth Volunteers Association (YVA), Pallel, Social Development Organisation (SDO), Pallel, Arambai Tenggol Unit-40, Pallel, and Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (MPAL), Pallel.
The event was attended by P. Ibotombi, Chairman of UCP; M. Jiban, Convenor of UCP; S. Borni, President of MPAL, Pallel; H. Romen, President of YVA, Pallel; S. Rabi, Secretary of SDO, Pallel; S. Suraj, Commander of Arambai Tenggol Unit-40, Pallel; T. Jugendro, Secretary of Nongma Panba Laibung Kaba Thousil Lup; and T. Umakanta, Secretary of YVA, who participated as dignitaries.
As part of the observance, floral wreaths were laid and tribute was paid at the memorials of late Yengkhom Jiten, son of Yengkhom Ato of Kakching Chumnang Leikai, and late Soibam Nanao, son of late Soibam Nongyai of Salungpham Maning Leikai, Thoubal district, who sacrificed their lives while defending the motherland during the battle at Pallel.
Essential household items were also presented to the bereaved families, while those who played significant roles in the battle were honoured with tokens of appreciation.
Speaking on the occasion, S. Rabi, Secretary of SDO, Pallel, said that although many brave volunteers had sacrificed their lives in defending the land since the conflict triggered by the attacks of Kuki narco-terrorists on the Meitei community on May 3, 2023, lasting peace had yet to be achieved.
Referring to the September 8, 2023, battle at Pallel, he said the sacrifices of the two martyrs would never be forgotten. He further stated that the people must remain vigilant as several challenges, including issues related to the NRC and the Census, continue to confront the indigenous population. He urged everyone to remain united and strengthen collective efforts to safeguard the land and its people. He also called upon the public to remember and honour the sacrifices made by all those who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland.
