Sobhapati Samom
KHONGJOM (MANIPUR), April 25 – Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that the dream of a separate land is not possible in an upcoming super power country like India.
Elaborating on the pros and cons of the demand of a separate independent State while addressing the historic Khongjom Day observation at the historic Khongjom war memorial site, around 35 km south of the State capital, Ibobi said, “It is almost impossible”.
Stating that violence will not bring any amicable solution, he appealed to the people to come forward to bring peace first to take up development activities in the State.
He, however, made it clear the territorial integrity of the State cannot be compromised at any cost. Similarly, a country which is expected to become a super power by 2020, will preserve and protect its integrity as well.
Reminding that Manipur became a part of India after it merged with the Indian Union in August 1949, he said that 500 other princely States merged with India.
On the question of discrimination, he admitted that India being a big country it plans its development projects or schemes based on its population. “We can fight democratically if there is any discrimination”, he said.
Governor Gurbachan Jagat in his address recalled that Khongjom Day is observed on April 23 every year in remembrance of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of safeguarding the independence of Manipur in 1891. He appealed to the people to renew the pledge to preserve and protect freedom and sovereignty and dignity of the country.
Jagat and Singh led the people in paying homage at the memorial of the martyrs located at Khongjom Kheba hillock in Thoubal district and the statue of Paona Brajabashi installed at the foothill of Kheba.
Khongjom Day observation is held to pay tributes in commemoration of Paona Brajabashi, the Manipuri army chief commander and his forces who laid down their lives while fighting against the imperialist British in 1891.