Athoubashing-gi Numit (Martyrs’ Day) observed at Cheiraoching

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, April 13, 2019: Athoubashing-gi Numit (Martyrs’ Day) was observed on Saturday Chingmeirong Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband. Large number of people came out to pay floral tributes at the memorial complex of martyrs of the banned outfit Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) at Chingmeirong Cheiraoching, who laid down their lives in the course of the revolutionary movement Athoubashing-gi Numit (Martyrs’ Day) organized by Family Committee for Observation of 13 April. The day is observed every year in honour of the 7 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) cadres who were killed in Tekcham encounter on June 16, 1981 and the 9 PLA cadres who were also killed in Kadampokpi encounter on April 13, 1982. People in mourning dresses offered floral tributes at the site from 6 am to 4 pm amidst tight security.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the observance, Khundrakpam Ongbi Medha, family member of one of the deceased PLA cadre expressed gratitude to all the people who come all the way to Cheiraoching to pay homage to the “martyrs”.

She said, every year, the number of people who gathered to pay homage increases. However, an order issued by DC, Imphal West prohibiting journalists from entering site from 8 am in the morning, who came to cover the observance, is very unfortunate and added that every year journalists were allowed to the cover the observance function.

Tide security measures were taken up by Manipur Police to prevent any untoward incidents. Police checked identities of visitors at the foothill of Cheiraoching before allowing them to enter the memorial site.

A medical camp was also organised at the foothill of Cheiraoching in connection with the observance. Later in the evening, candles were lighted at every residential gate to mark the occasion.

The nine PLA cadres who were killed in Kodompokpi encounter were Thoudam Kunjabihari of Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai, Thoudam Loken alias Amujao of Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai, Paka of Heirok, Pakhanglakpa alias Puki of Keisampat, Rk Khoiromba alias Gyane of Moreh, Sorokhaibam Kameshwor alias Kanta of Heibongpokpi, Khundrakpam Chaobhan of Kwakeithel Moirangpurel, Naorem Rajen of Kakwa Naorem Leikai and Moirangthem Premkumar of Tera Sapam Leikai.

The seven PLA cadres killed at Tekcham were Ibohal alias Biramangol, Yaima alias Indrajit, Koba alias Rajen Macha, Langlen alias Kacichandra, Inao, Khogen and Joy alias Shanti.