Members of the Justice Committee currently active in Tripura, led by its Chairman Joychandra Konthoujam, along with a team, today paid floral tributes at the statue and memorial site of Major Chongthamiyā at Narayan Khama in Tripura. The team offered flowers and rendered a salute of Thang-Ta (martial arts) to honour the departed hero.
The tribute ceremony was attended by Deepak Kumar, Secretary of the Tripura Puthiba Welfare & Cultural Society, along with several prominent residents of Tripura.
Following the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891, Major Chongthamiyā was deported to Andaman for waging war against the British Crown, where he reached on November 23. Due to the completion of his imprisonment period, he returned to Vrindavan on May 12, 1896. After a lapse of two or three years, he finally came to his family relatives at Narayan Khama in Tripura, where he was laid to rest. He attained martyrdom on January 17, 1908.
Speaking on the occasion, Joychandra Konthoujam stated that the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 clearly established before the world that Manipur was not a subordinate state but a sovereign land. He said the brave forefathers of Kangleipak (Manipur) sacrificed their lives with honour, and through their sacrifices, Manipur asserted its distinct identity before the world.
He further remarked that remembering and honouring the sacrifices of the forefathers is a sacred duty of the present generation, as they laid down their lives so that future generations could live with dignity and self-respect.
Joychandra also highlighted that the Meiteis residing in Tripura have continued to uphold their identity by actively participating and excelling in sports and cultural activities, thereby contributing significantly to the recognition of Tripura. He appealed that the motherland Manipur should never be forgotten and urged unity and collective effort so that the Meitei community across the world can continue to progress with pride and dignity.
