KHONGJOM (MANIPUR), April 23 - President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday attended Khongjom Day observation besides inaugurating Khongjom War memorial monument-cum-tourist centre here at the historic war memorial site, about 35 km south of here in Manipur�s Thoubal district.
Khongjom Day is observed on April 23 to pay tributes to the brave sons of Manipur who made the supreme sacrifice in the last battle of independence popularly known as �Khongjom War� against the Britishers on April 23,1891.
Recalling the historic Khongjom War briefly in his barely 10 minute speech, President Mukherjee said British soldiers attacked from three different sides � Tamu of Myanmar, Cachar and Kohima in 1891 and conquered the State.
Acknowledging the rich culture of the State, its scenic beauty, pluralism of religion and accepting the universal love, the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru had called Manipur a Jewel of India, President added.
State Governor V Shanmuganathan appealed for maximum education and employment to the new generation which has been deprived despite the State�s tremendous contributions in sports, music, dance, art and culture, etc.
In his welcome address, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh expressed the hope that the State will achieve economic growth once the ongoing development projects including Integrated check post is completed. Besides, it will attract a number of tourists from the ASEAN countries and neighbouring States, he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Speaker Th Lokeshwar, Rrural Development Minister M Okendro, MPs, police and civil officials and public attended the observation.
The State particularly its capital wore a deserted look following the boycott of the President�s visit called by Co-ordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of armed groups in Manipur on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Khongjom Day observation was held with the Chief Minister laying floral wreaths at the statue of Paona Brajabashi followed by a gun salute at Khongjom river.
