In a poignant display of cultural unity and historical remembrance, the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur, concluded its 18th Foundation Day celebrations with a significant pilgrimage to the historic Kheba Ching at Khongjom. On Thursday, members of the forum, alongside delegates from Assam and Tripura, offered floral tributes to the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, reaffirming the deep-rooted bonds that connect the Meitei diaspora.
The tribute ceremony followed a three-day celebration of the Forum's inception, which ran from February 8 to February 10. Led by PAWF Manipur President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, the delegation included ten prominent women writers and cultural activists from neighboring states who traveled to Manipur to participate in this solemn occasion.
Bridging Borders Through History
The visit to the Khongjom War Memorial was not merely a ceremonial act but a bridge connecting the Meitei community spread across the Northeast. Among the key attendees were Kshetrimayum Madhabi Singha, Advisory Board Member of PAWF Tripura Branch, and a strong contingent from the Manipuri Women Literary & Cultural Organization (MWLCO), Hojai, Assam. The Assam delegation included Advisory Board Members Usham Bindarani and Taorem Purnabati, President Huirongbam Kunjabati, Secretary Ashem Subhashini, and several others.
This gathering highlights the ongoing efforts of the Patriotic Writers Forum to maintain cultural continuity among Manipuris living in Manipur, Assam, Tripura, and even across international borders in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
"The Blood of Ancestors Connects Us"
The atmosphere at Kheba Ching was charged with emotion as the delegates paid their respects. Huirongbam Kunjabati, President of MWLCO, Hojai, expressed the deep sentiment shared by the diaspora. "Visiting this golden land and bowing before the monuments of our ancestors gives us a profound sense of pride," she stated.
"Although we were born and raised in Assam, standing here where our forefathers sacrificed their lives in the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War confirms that we are truly their descendants. We feel the same blood running through our veins. I am grateful to the Patriotic Writers Forum for creating this rare moment that has made us fall in love with our motherland all over again," Kunjabati added.
Remembering Exiled Heroes
The event also served as a reminder of the historical figures who were exiled following the war. Kshetrimayum Madhabi from Tripura highlighted the forum's work in erecting statues of martyrs not just in Manipur, but across the region. She spoke passionately about Major Chongtha Miya, a hero of 1891 who was exiled to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Kalapani) by the British.
"After his release from Andaman, Major Chongtha Miya could not return to his birthplace in Manipur and eventually breathed his last in Tripura. A statue in his honor stands today at Narayankhamar, Tripura," Madhabi explained. "The fact that PAWF is establishing these memorials allows small communities like ours in the diaspora to hold our heads high. It is our bounden duty to honor these sacrifices."
Strengthening the Bond
Laimujam Pratap Singh, Assistant Secretary of PAWF Manipur, emphasized the organization's mission to foster unity through literature and history. He noted the significance of having ten female delegates from Assam and Tripura, stating, "The presence of these writers showcases the courage of Meitei women and proves that the bond of love between us remains unbroken."
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to continue cultural exchange programs and historical preservation efforts, ensuring that the legacy of the 1891 martyrs inspires future generations across the globe. ✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team