On April 23, 2025, the people of Manipur came together in solemn remembrance and pride to observe Khongjom Day, commemorating the valiant Manipuri warriors who laid down their lives in the historic Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. As floral tributes were offered at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Thoubal district, the day was marked with a deep sense of patriotism and reflection.
This year’s observance carried additional weight as Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, while addressing the gathering, condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where five Indian Army personnel were martyred. The Governor paid homage not only to the warriors of 1891 but also to the modern-day soldiers who continue to defend the sovereignty and unity of the nation.
“Today, as we remember our forefathers who fought bravely against colonial forces at Khongjom, we also stand in grief and solidarity with the families of the soldiers who were killed in the cowardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Let their sacrifice be a reminder that the spirit of valor runs deep in the veins of this country,” Governor Uikey said during the memorial event.
Khongjom Day, a significant date in Manipur’s cultural and historical calendar, honors the last battle fought between the Manipuri army and the British forces in 1891. The fierce battle at Khongjom symbolized the courage and defiance of a small kingdom standing against the might of a global empire. The Manipuri commander Paona Brajabashi and many of his comrades were martyred in the battle, and their names are etched in local memory as icons of resistance.
Thousands of citizens, including students, veterans, and members of civil society, attended the commemoration this year. The event began with a traditional gun salute and the laying of wreaths at the memorial. Patriotic songs, poetry recitations, and historical reenactments formed part of the cultural program organized to inspire the youth and pay respect to the heroes of the past.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, in his message to the people, also acknowledged the pain of recent national tragedies while urging citizens to draw strength from the examples set by the heroes of Khongjom. “Our history teaches us resilience. Just as our forefathers did not bow to the British, today we must not allow terrorism and violence to weaken our resolve to build a united and strong India,” he said.
This year’s Khongjom Day also featured an exhibition by the state’s Department of Art and Culture, showcasing rare artifacts, paintings, and historical documents related to the Anglo-Manipur War. Young artists and students from various schools presented skits and speeches emphasizing the importance of remembering and learning from history.
The presence of the Governor, coupled with her firm condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, brought a sobering context to the day’s events. “We must remain vigilant. The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir is a stark reminder that the enemies of peace still exist. But so do our heroes, both past and present. We owe it to them to uphold the ideals they died defending,” she stated.
In the backdrop of national mourning and heightened security consciousness, Khongjom Day 2025 served as both a tribute and a call to action. It underscored the continuity of courage—from the battlefield of Khongjom in 1891 to the line of duty in Kashmir today.
As the sun set behind the hills of Thoubal, the tricolor fluttered in the breeze, and the strains of the national anthem echoed across the memorial ground. The people of Manipur left with heads held high, hearts heavy with sorrow, but filled with the enduring spirit of sacrifice that continues to shape the soul of the nation.