Imphal, Jan 9 (UNI) People of Manipur paid rich tributes to Maharaj Gambhir Singh on his 188th death anniversary, here on Sunday.
The State level observance was organised by the State Art and Culture Department at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Samadhi complex, Canchipur with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest.
The Chief Minister led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the memorial and portrait of the late king, who spearheaded the war against Awa (Burmese) to end the Seven Years of Devastation in 1826.
Manipur was occupied by Burma for seven years and in 1826, King Gambhir liberated Manipur.
A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour, gun salute and sounded the last post as a mark of respect to Maharaj Gambhir Singh and all those, who laid down their lives in the war for the motherland.
The Chief Minister also offered flowers at the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra. Later, he offered Tarpan and paid obeisance at Dhop Pala.
He stated that the people of the current generation need to study the ideals of the forefathers, who did not have any fear to lay down their lives for the motherland and adopting their patriotic feelings.
Regarding the ensuing State Assembly polls, on Feb 27 and March 3, N. Biren Singh urged the people for peaceful, free and fair elections. Stating that Manipur had experienced enough violence and unrest in the past, he also appealed to one and all to not indulge in violence and not let politics divide people.
RK Meghen, former Chairman of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was among those who paid floral tributes.
UNI NS RN