IMPHAL, Jan 9 (NNN) : Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, said that Manipur’s history, while marked by glory, also endured profound suffering during the Burmese occupation of 1819–1826.

The Governor said this while gracing the observance of the 192nd death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at the Samadhi of the Maharaj at Langthabal (Canchipur). The Governor led the people in offering floral tributes to the portrait of Maharaj Gambhir Singh. A guard of honour, gun salute, and the sounding of the last post were accorded by a contingent of the Manipur Rifles.

Later, the Governor led the people in offering floral tributes to the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Meidingu Narasingh, and Sana Herachandra. He also led the observance of Tarpon Katpa and paid obeisance to the Dhop Pala. MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor, senior officers of the civil and police administration, and members of the public were present on the occasion.

Addressing the observance, the Governor said that Manipur’s history, while marked by glory, also endured profound suffering during the Burmese occupation of 1819–1826, remembered as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa. He noted that this period of devastation threatened the very survival of the kingdom, but also gave rise to exceptional leadership in Maharaja Gambhir Singh, whose courage and unity of purpose inspired a determined struggle for freedom.

The Governor added that Maharaja Gambhir Singh’s legacy extended beyond military victory to visionary statesmanship. He said the State Government is honouring this enduring legacy by protecting the Maharaja’s Samadhi as a historical monument and by developing Langthabal Konung Ching as a centre of heritage, learning, and tourism, while urging citizens to remember the Maharaja not merely in ceremony but in spirit, and to draw lasting inspiration from his courage, unity, and unwavering commitment to the people of Manipur.