The Khongjom War Memorial is located on Kheba Hill on the Indo-Myanmar road. In 1891 it was at Kheba Hill where Major General Paona Brajabashi along with countless Manipuri soldiers retaliated against the British invaders.
The state government of Manipur observes April 23 as Khongjom Day to pay homage to Brajabashi and thousand other soldiers. In March 1891, the British government declared war on Manipur after the Manipuris killed the Chief Commissioner and his party members.
In April, British troops were launched from three places; Kohima, Silchar and Tamu. General Collet commanded the entire operation and headed towards Imphal. By April 27, 1891, the British invaders took complete control over Manipur.
Manipur was liberated by Gambhir Singh and his men with the assistance of the British. With the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, Manipur was recognized as an independent Kingdom. Manipur lost her sovereign and independent status and marked the integration into the British India Empire. Freedom they lost, but love of freedom they retained. the people of Manipur salute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the freedom of their motherland
The military conflict was definitely a war between two independent countries, though the British looked at it as a rebellion. The historical facts (British imperial documentation and the Manipur chronicles and traditions perpetuated by a living ballad) point to the conflict as a war between two nations. Killing of five British officers including Mr James Wallace Quinton, the chief commissioner of Assam was the immediate cause of the war.
The execution of the five British officers without proper trial was unjustified, though as per the laws of little country what they had committed was the cause or waging war against Manipur (sovereign state) and thus liable to be punished by death. The friendship between the two countries had been destroyed by tactless and arrogant Mr James Wallace Quinton. It was also the disaster for the British prestige in India and tiny Manipur did not comply in the foul play and pressure threats of Mr James Wallace Quinton.
The British came to India as a trading company and later became the master of the sub-continent.
How to reach
By Air
The Imphal Tulihal International Airport has flight services to all major destinations of the country.
By Train
The closest junction to Imphal is the Dimapur railway station which is located at a distance of 215 kilometers from Manipur
By Road
Guwahati to Imphal; (490.9 km) via NH 36 & NH39
Imphal to Khongjom War Memorial(35 kms) from Imphal, Indo-Myanmar road
Best time to visit
December is one of the best month to visit Khongjom.