Khongjom Day was observed on April 23 at the Khongjom War Memorial, Thoubal district, amid tight security. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led tributes to the martyrs of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War.
IMPHAL – Khongjom Day was solemnly observed on April 23, 2026, at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex, Khebaching, Khongjom, in Thoubal District, amid tight security measures put in place by Manipur Police and sister agencies. The occasion marked the annual commemoration of the brave warriors who laid down their lives for Manipur during the Battle of Khongjom in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The commemoration was graced by Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, as the Chief Guest, and Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, as the President of the observance. Also in attendance were Losii Dikho,Deputy Chief Minister; Govindas Konthoujam, Home Minister; Kh. Loken Singh, Minister of Art and Culture; MLAs from different Assembly Constituencies; and senior Civil, Police, and Army officials, alongside members of the general public.
The observance commenced with Sankirtana presented by artistes of the Manipur State Kala Akademi. This was followed by the rendition of the National Song by artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Music College, and the National Anthem performed by the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Band.
The Governor and the Chief Minister led the dignitaries in the ceremonial laying of floral wreaths at the Khongjom War Memorial. The wreath-laying was followed by a full ceremonial sequence including Guard of Honour, General Salute, Reverse Arms, Sounding of the Last Post, Two Minutes' Silence, Slope Arms, and Order Arms — each carried out by personnel of the Manipur Police.
Floral wreaths were also laid at the statue of Paona Brajabashi, one of the most celebrated heroes of the Battle of Khongjom, followed by a Gun Salute in his honour. Tarpan was offered at the Khongjom River, and homage to Sankirtana was paid by the VVIPs and VIPs present.
After the Chief Guest and the President took their respective seats, an opening song titled Manipur "Sheitharol" was presented by Khumanthem Sundari Devi and her party. The cultural segment also featured a rendition of Khongjom Parva by Khumanthem Sundari Devi and her party, followed by a drama titled "Paona" staged by Rup Mahal Theatre.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla described Khongjom Day as a significant and deeply emotional occasion, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of the sons of Manipur who fought valiantly against the British Empire. He emphasised that the Battle of Khongjom symbolises honour, patriotism, and unwavering determination — where Manipuri warriors, despite being outnumbered and ill-equipped, chose courage over surrender in defence of their sovereignty.
The Governor maintained that Khongjom Day is not only a day of remembrance but also of reflection, stressing the importance of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the face of challenges. He noted that the sacrifices of the forefathers serve as a reminder that freedom and peace must be protected and upheld with a sense of responsibility.
Bhalla called upon the people of Manipur to uphold values such as integrity in public life, communal harmony, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to the welfare of all citizens — as the most fitting tributes to the legacy of the martyrs. He stressed that true patriotism lies in building an inclusive and progressive society, empowering youth, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. He urged every citizen to draw inspiration from the spirit of Khongjom and renew their commitment to serve the state and the nation with dedication, working collectively for peace and development.
Delivering his address as the President of the observance, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed that the people of Manipur feel proud of their identity as Manipuris, owing to the bravery shown by their forefathers during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. He paid tribute to Maharaj Kulachandra, Yuvraj Tikendrajit, Paona Brajabashi, Chongtha Mia, Chinglensana, and other brave warriors, whose supreme sacrifice and unwavering contributions towards defending the sovereignty of their motherland had, in his words, kept the integrity of Manipur intact.
Turning to the present, the Chief Minister recalled the Tronglaobi incident — in which two young children were killed in an RPG attack — and expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragedy. He informed the gathering that the Government had held talks with the Joint Action Committee and the victim families on different occasions and had proposed to extend all possible assistance.
Acknowledging that the Tronglaobi incident had prompted protests at various places across the state, the Chief Minister appealed to the public not to resort to activities that would hinder developmental works or bring hardship and enmity among the people of Manipur. He also expressed thankfulness and appreciation to the people of the state for making it possible to observe Khongjom Day successfully, despite the protests being staged across the state at the time.
